Systems and methods for competitive scene completion in an application

ABSTRACT

In the disclosed systems and methods for competitive scene completion, a user selects a first scene completion challenge that comprises an image of an initial scene and a plurality of markers. Each marker has a designated set of coordinates within the initial scene and corresponds to a furnishing unit type. For each user marker selection, virtual furnishing units corresponding to the unit type are displayed. User unit selection results in display of a three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit at the corresponding coordinates within the scene, thereby creating an augmented scene that comprises the initial scene with three-dimensional graphics of selected virtual furnishing units. The augmented scene or user selections of virtual furnishing units is submitted to a remote server. The user is provided with a reward.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/035,479, filed on Jul. 13, 2018, entitled“Systems and Methods for Competitive Scene Completion in anApplication,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/532,790, filed on Jul. 14, 2017, entitled “Methodsand Systems for Competitive Scene Completion in an Application,” all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed implementations relate generally to improved systems andmethods for competitive scene completion in an application.

BACKGROUND

Competitive scene completion, for instance, the population of a roomwith suitable furnishings, that are designed without any aids often donot look as good as contemplated in the design stage. For instance, abed for a particular bedroom may not look quite like imagined once thebed is actually placed in the room. With the many options available forfurniture, window treatments, and the large array of kitchen and bathpossibilities, navigating the marketplace in order to furnish even asingle room in a home or outdoor area associated with a home can beoverwhelming. Such scene completion is made even more complicated incompetitive scene completion, where the scene for instance must adhereto one or more constraints such as a particular design style and/ortotal budget.

Houzz View in My Room 3D, available on the Internet as referenced atHouzz.com, allows a user to preview different pieces of furniture andother decor products in images taken of rooms within their home beforethey purchase such items. The application transplants three-dimensionalmodels of such furnishing into pictures of rooms taken by a user oftheir home, and represents the details of such furnishing such as thematerials and textures they are made of, to offer a visualization of howthe physical items will look. More than one object can be added to thesame view for those users that would like to completely refurnish aparticular room. Such users can then capture what is on screen as asketch, which is added to their Houzz ideabook, and later shared withothers. Alternatively, the user can purchase the selected itemsimmediately, directly from the application. The application also haslists of products for sale and professionals who can help realize thedesign. One drawback with Houzz View in My Room 3D is that it does notprovide a realistic basis for competitive design. That is, safeguardsfor preventing a user from exceeding a certain budget are lacking.Moreover, while a user may share their designs with friends, there is noobjective quantitative basis for obtaining community feedback on shareddesigns.

Another such application is Homestyler, available on the Internet asreferenced at homestyler.com. Homestyler allows a user to change thewallpaper, paint walls, and replace furniture within scenes of roomswithin their home without actually buying them. A user starts by takinga photograph of their room. They then upload the photograph, and drop infurnishings from a catalog of real items that is constantly updated.Walls can be repainted with swipes of your finger. The applicationprovides detailed product descriptions with prices and availability. Onedrawback with Homestyler is that it also does not provide a realisticbasis for competitive design. That is, safeguards for preventing a userfrom exceeding a certain budget are lacking. Moreover, while a user mayshare their designs with others, there is no objective quantitativebasis for obtaining community feedback on shared designs.

Still another application is Zillow Digs, available on the Internet asreferenced at zillow.com. Online real estate database Zillow launchedZillow Digs as a hub for home remodeling ideas and to give users anunderstanding of how much specific projects cost. Users can browse andsave images relating to rooms, styles, and specific elements. Theapplication provides users with remodel estimates on the kitchens andbaths that inspire them. Estimates are based on location and are brokendown by materials and labor costs. The application helps the user findprofessionals to do the work, and the user can follow, and comment on,other users' projects. However, the application does not permit a userto paste in particular items into a room. That is, the application doesnot permit a user to virtually customize a scene.

Still another application is RoomReveal—Home Design, available on theInternet as referenced at roomreveal.com. RoomReveal provides tools thatallow a user to show the progression of their home improvement projects.Users upload photos and provide a narrative. The application thereforeserves as a personal scrapbook, in which a user can track their ownprojects as well as and offer comments on projects of other users. Thecatalog of projects changes daily. Users can also search by room, followtheir favorite users, and seek out designers and architects. However,the application does not permit a user to paste in particular items intoa room. That is, the application does not permit a user to virtuallycustomize a scene.

Still another application is Home Design 3D, available on the Internetas referenced at homedesign3d.net. Starting in two-dimensionalconstruction mode, a user picks a floor plan, draws rooms, and adjuststhe height or thickness of walls. It is possible to drop in furnishingsand lighting from a database of hundreds of objects and to select doorand window styles, floor coverings, and wallpapers. When the design isdone, a click of a button turns the design into a three dimensionalversion. A user can experiment with redesigns and then take a tour ofthe new look with a three dimensional walk-through. One drawback withHome Design 3D is that it does not provide a realistic basis forcompetitive design. That is, safeguards for preventing a user fromexceeding a certain budget are lacking. Moreover, there is no objectivequantitative basis for obtaining community feedback on designs.

Given the above background, what is needed in the art is improvedsystems and methods for scene completion in an application.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the above-identified need in the art byproviding systems and methods for competitive scene completion. A userselects from among affordances, each representing a different challengeand comprising a scene image and a plurality of markers. Each marker hasindependent scene coordinates and type. The scene and markers of theselected challenge is displayed. For each user marker selection,corresponding furnishing units are displayed. The units match the markertype and include units retained and not retained by the user. Aselection of the furnishing unit by user results in display of a graphicof the selected unit at the corresponding coordinates within the scene.The scene is thereby populated with graphics. The unit selections aresubmitted upon satisfaction of a challenge completion criterion thatspecifies which scene coordinates must be populated. Responsive tosubmission, the user unit selections are subjected to community vote ona remote server and the results are provided to the user.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method comprising, at aclient device comprising a display, one or more processors and memory,in an application running on the client device associated with a firstuser, providing the first user with one or more affordances. Eachaffordance in the one or more affordances corresponds to a differentrespective challenge in a first plurality of challenges. Each challengein the one or more challenges comprises (i) an image of a respectivescene (e.g., a single room in a building, an outdoor location, etc.) and(ii) an independent first plurality of markers (e.g., five markers ormore markers, eight or more markers, etc.), each marker having adifferent designated set of coordinates within the respective scene andcorresponding to a type within a plurality of types. That is, eachchallenge has its own unique plurality of markers.

Responsive to selection of a first affordance in the one or moreaffordances, the image of the respective scene and the first pluralityof markers of a first challenge in the first plurality of challengesthat corresponds to the first affordance is displayed.

For each sequential user selection of a respective marker in the firstplurality of markers of the challenge corresponding to the firstaffordance in a first plurality of user selections, a first procedure isperformed. This first procedure comprises displaying a first pluralityof virtual furnishing units corresponding to the respective marker. Thefirst plurality of virtual furnishing units comprises (i) one or morefirst virtual furnishing units retained by the first user that match thetype of the respective marker and (ii) one or more second virtualfurnishing units not retained by the first user that match the type ofthe respective marker. In some embodiments, the first user is limited tousing a first virtual furnishing unit retained by the first user in apredetermined number of challenges before the first virtual furnishingunit is no longer retained by the first user. In some embodiments, thefirst user is permitted to use a first virtual furnishing unit retainedby the first user in an unlimited number of challenges without incurringany further cost for using the virtual furnishing unit.

The displaying further comprises removing from display any virtualfurnishing units that do not qualify for populating the respectivemarker. In other words, virtual furnishing units that do not correspondto the type of marker will not be displayed. For example, if the markertype corresponds to a lamp, only virtual furnishing units of lamps willbe displayed. Virtual furnishing units (e.g., sofas or tables) that donot qualify for populating the lamp marker will be removed from display.A user selection of a virtual furnishing unit in the first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units is received, and responsive thereto there isdisplayed a three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishingunit at the different designated set of coordinates within therespective scene. In this way, the respective scene is populated with afirst plurality of three-dimensional graphics, where each respectivethree-dimensional graphic in the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics is displayed at the corresponding designated set of coordinatesof the corresponding marker within the respective scene.

The first user is enabled to submit the respective scene with the firstplurality of graphics when a first completion criterion associated withthe first challenge has been satisfied. The first completion criterionspecifies (i) which corresponding markers within the respective scenemust be populated and (ii) a first amount, in units of a firstapplication counter, required to submit the respective scene.

Responsive to submitting the respective scene with the first pluralityof three-dimensional graphics, the user selection of virtual furnishingunits for the first challenge is communicated to a remote server. Insome embodiments, the scene and the three-dimensional graphics are notcommunicated in this submission. Rather, the respective scene with thefirst plurality of three-dimensional graphics is submitted bycommunicating the virtual furnishing unit selection, if any, for eachmarker in the plurality of markers associated with the challenge.Further, as a reward for successfully completing and submitting thechallenge to the remote server, the first user is provided with a secondamount in units of a second application counter.

There is received, from the remote server, a first community vote on thesubmitted respective scene with the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics (user selection of virtual furnishing units for the firstchallenge) by the first user. The first user is notified of the firstcommunity vote on the user selection of virtual furnishing units for thefirst challenge.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to submissionof the respective scene with the first plurality of graphics when thefirst completion criterion associated with the first challenge has beensatisfied: receiving a deletion selection of a first three-dimensionalgraphic in the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics displayedin the respective scene and responsive to the deletion selection of thefirst three-dimensional graphic, removing the first three-dimensionalgraphic from the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, prior to submissionof the respective scene with the first plurality of graphics when thefirst completion criterion associated with the first challenge has beensatisfied: receiving a change selection of a first three-dimensionalgraphic in the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics displayedin the respective scene, and responsive to the change selection of thefirst three-dimensional graphic: removing the first three-dimensionalgraphic from the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics,displaying a plurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding to afirst marker associated with the first three-dimensional graphiccomprising (i) one or more first virtual furnishing units retained bythe first user that match the type of the first marker and (ii) one ormore second virtual furnishing units not retained by the first user thatmatch the type of the first marker, receiving a user selection of aselected virtual furnishing unit in the plurality of virtual furnishingunits, and displaying a three-dimensional graphic of the selectedvirtual furnishing unit at the different designated set of coordinateswithin the respective scene corresponding to the first marker.

In some embodiments, each respective marker in the first plurality ofmarkers is in the form of a closed form shape (e.g., colored circle)that is overlaid on the respective scene at the corresponding differentdesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene, and eachrespective marker in the first plurality of markers includes ageneralized depiction of the type (e.g., single seat seating, multipleseats seating, bed, entertainment center, table, storage furniture,mirror, rug, lamp, wall décor, and home accent, etc.) of the respectivemarker.

In some embodiments, the first user has a first balance of the firstapplication counter, a second balance of the second application counter,and a third balance of a third application counter, and each virtualfurnishing unit in the one or more second virtual furnishing units notretained by the first user is associated with a cost in in units of thesecond application counter or the third application counter. In somesuch embodiments, the receiving the user selection of the selectedvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits in the first procedure comprises debiting the cost in units of thesecond application counter or the third application counter against therespective second or third balance when the selected virtual furnishingunit is in the one or more second virtual furnishing units. In someembodiments, the first user is barred from choosing the selected virtualfurnishing unit in the one or more second virtual furnishing units whenthe first user has an insufficient respective second or third balance topay for the selected virtual furnishing unit. In alternativeembodiments, the user is notifying that the application is unable todisplay the three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishingunit within the respective scene when the first user has an insufficientrespective second or third balance to pay for the selected virtualfurnishing unit in the one or more second virtual furnishing units.

In some embodiments, the receiving the user selection of the selectedvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits in the first procedure comprises displaying a price tag on thethree-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit whenthe selected virtual furnishing unit is in the one or more secondvirtual furnishing units, and when the selected virtual furnishing unitis purchased by the first user, (i) the cost in units of the secondapplication counter or the third application counter is debited againstthe respective second or third balance and (ii) the price tag isremoved. In such embodiments, the first user is barred from purchasingthe selected virtual furnishing unit in the one or more second virtualfurnishing units when the first user has an insufficient respectivesecond or third balance to pay for the selected virtual furnishing unit.

In some embodiments, the first community vote on the user selection ofvirtual furnishing units for the first challenge is from a plurality ofusers that each makes one to one comparisons of (i) the user selectionof virtual furnishing units for the first challenge by the first userand (ii) the user selection of virtual furnishing units for the firstchallenge from a user other than the first user. In some embodiments,each vote by a user counts as a single vote. Accordingly, if 100 usersvote for the submitted scene of a first user, and 50 users vote for thesubmitted scene of a second user, in a given challenge, the first userwill have a first community vote of 100 and the second user will have acommunity vote of 50 for the given challenge, in typical embodiments.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises awarding the firstuser a prize (e.g., an amount of a third application counter or avirtual furnishing unit, etc.) when the first community vote on thesubmitted respective scene (user selection of virtual furnishing unitsfor the first challenge by the first user) exceeds a threshold value.For instance, in some such embodiments, the first community vote on theuser selection of virtual furnishing units for the first challenge bythe first user exceeds the threshold value when the first community voteis larger than a vote received by any other user that participated inthe first challenge.

In some embodiments, a first subset of the first plurality of markersmust be populated with a virtual furnishing unit in order to satisfy thecompletion criterion of the first challenge, a second subset of thefirst plurality of markers do not need to be populated with a virtualfurnishing unit in order to satisfy the completion criterion of thefirst challenge, each respective marker in the first subset of markersis in the form of a first closed form shape (e.g., a balloon of a firstcolor) that is overlaid on the respective scene at the correspondingdifferent designated set of coordinates within the respective scene, andeach respective marker in the second subset of markers is in the form ofa second closed form shape (e.g., a balloon of a second color that isother than the first color) that is overlaid on the respective scene atthe corresponding different designated set of coordinates within therespective scene.

In some embodiments, the first challenge has one or more constraints onthe virtual furnishing units that can be used. In some such embodiments,the method further comprises displaying each of the one or moreconstraints within the application. Upon first user selection of a firstconstraint in the one or more constraints, there is highlighted withinthe image of the respective scene the first marker that is associatedwith the first constraint. A plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to the first marker that satisfy the first constraint arethen displayed. In some embodiments, each virtual furnishing unit in thefirst plurality of virtual furnishing units corresponds to a furnishingunit from a vendor in a plurality of vendors and the constraint is arequirement that at least one virtual furnishing unit used in the firstchallenge correspond to a furnishing unit from a first predeterminedvendor in the plurality of vendors. In some embodiments, each virtualfurnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponds to a furnishing unit from a vendor in a plurality of vendorsand the constraint is a requirement that at least two virtual furnishingunits used in the first challenge correspond to furnishing units from afirst predetermined vendor in the plurality of vendors. In someembodiments, each virtual furnishing unit in the first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units is associated with a décor type (e.g., apredetermined color, a predetermined style, or a requirement that avirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits corresponds to a furnishing unit of a predetermined brand) and theconstraint is a requirement that at least one virtual furnishing unitused in the first challenge be of a first décor type in the plurality ofdécor types.

In some embodiments, the second amount of the second application counterthat is awarded to the first user is dependent upon a level ofdifficulty of the first challenge.

In some embodiments, each user that contributes to the first communityvote receives credit toward an allocation in units of the firstapplication counter.

In some embodiments, the application is run over a plurality of epics(e.g., each epic being a twelve-hour period, one day, two days, or aweek, etc.). A subset of the first plurality of challenges isconstrained to a first epic in the plurality of epics, and during asecond epic in the plurality of epics the first user is provided with asecond plurality of affordances, each affordance in the second pluralityof affordances corresponding to a different respective challenge in asecond plurality of challenges. One or more challenges in the secondplurality of challenges is not found in the first plurality ofchallenges. Each challenge in the second plurality of challengescomprises: (i) an image of a respective scene and (ii) a secondplurality of markers, each marker having different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene and corresponding to a typewithin a plurality of types. Responsive to selection of a firstaffordance in the second plurality of affordances, the image of therespective scene and the second plurality of markers of a firstchallenge in the second plurality of challenges that corresponds to thefirst affordance is displayed. For each sequential user selection of arespective marker in the second plurality of markers of the challengecorresponding to the first affordance in a second plurality of userselections, a second procedure is performed. The second procedurecomprises displaying a second plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to the respective marker comprising (i) one or more firstvirtual furnishing units retained by the first user that match the typeof the respective marker and (ii) one or more second virtual furnishingunits not retained by the first user that match the type of therespective marker. The displaying further comprises removing fromdisplay any virtual furnishing units that do not qualify for populatingthe respective marker.

In some embodiments, the second procedure further comprises, in responseto receiving a user selection of a selected virtual furnishing units inthe second plurality of virtual furnishing units, a three-dimensionalgraphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit is displayed at thedifferent designated set of coordinates within the respective scene,thereby populating the respective scene with a second plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics, each respective three-dimensional graphic inthe second plurality of three-dimensional graphics at a correspondingdesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene specified bythe different designated set of coordinates within the respective sceneof the corresponding marker. In some embodiments, the method furthercomprises, the first user is enabled to submit the respective scene withthe second plurality of graphics when a second completion criterionassociated with the second challenge has been satisfied. The secondcompletion criterion specifies (i) which corresponding designated setsof coordinates within the respective scene must be populated and (ii) asecond amount, in units of the first application counter, required tosubmit the respective scene. Responsive to submitting the respectivescene with the second plurality of graphics, the user selection ofvirtual furnishing units for the second challenge is communicated to theremote server and the first user is provided with a third amount inunits of the second application counter. In the method, there isreceived from the remote server a second community vote on the userselection of virtual furnishing units for the second challenge by thefirst user and the first user is notified of the second community voteon the user selection of virtual furnishing units for the secondchallenge.

In some such embodiments, the method further comprises, prior tosubmission of the respective scene with the second plurality of graphicswhen a second completion criterion associated with the second challengehas been satisfied, receiving a deletion selection of a firstthree-dimensional graphic in the second plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics displayed in the respective scene, and responsive to thedeletion selection of the first three-dimensional graphic: removing thefirst three-dimensional graphic from the second plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics, and crediting the cost in units of thesecond application counter or the third application counter towards therespective second or third balance when the virtual furnishing unitcorresponding to the first three-dimensional graphic is in the one ormore second virtual furnishing units.

In some such embodiments, the method further comprises, prior tosubmission of the respective scene with the second plurality of graphicswhen a second completion criterion associated with the second challengehas been satisfied, receiving a change selection of a firstthree-dimensional graphic in the second plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics displayed in the respective scene and responsive to the changeselection of the first three-dimensional graphic: removing the firstthree-dimensional graphic from the second plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics, crediting the cost in units of the second application counteror the third application counter towards the respective second or thirdbalance when the virtual furnishing unit corresponding to the firstthree-dimensional graphic is in the one or more second virtualfurnishing units, displaying a plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to a first marker associated with the firstthree-dimensional graphic comprising (i) one or more first virtualfurnishing units retained by the first user that match the type of thefirst marker and (ii) one or more second virtual furnishing units notretained by the first user that match the type of the first marker,receiving a user selection of a selected virtual furnishing unit in theplurality of virtual furnishing units, and displaying athree-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit at thedifferent designated set of coordinates within the respective scenecorresponding to the first marker.

In some embodiments, the application is run over a plurality of epics(e.g., each epic being a twelve-hour period, one day, two days, or aweek) and each epic in the plurality of epics consists of a differentplurality of challenges.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a votingrequest from the first user, and concurrently displaying on the display(i) a first image comprising a candidate scene populated with a firstset of three-dimensional graphics at corresponding designated sets ofcoordinates within the candidate scene that has been submitted by asecond user in a plurality of users other than the first user, and (ii)a second image comprising the candidate scene populated with a secondset of three-dimensional graphics at corresponding designated sets ofcoordinates within the candidate scene that has been submitted by athird user in the plurality of users other than the first user and thesecond user. A selection by the first user is received of the firstimage or the second image thereby receiving from the first user a votefor the second user or the third user. Responsive to the vote for thesecond user or the third user by the first user, the first user isprovided with credit towards an amount in units of the first applicationcounter.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in response toreceiving a request to purchase application credit from the first user,providing the first user with an option to purchase an amount in unitsof a third application counter, in which the first user provides agovernment backed tender in exchange for the amount in units of thethird application counter.

In some embodiments, the application is run over a plurality of epics(e.g., each epic is a twelve-hour period, one day, two days, or a week)and the first plurality of challenges is constrained to a first epic inthe plurality of epics. In some such embodiments, the first user isallocated an allowance of the first application counter during each epicin the plurality of epics. Additionally, or alternatively, the firstuser is allocated an allowance of a third application counter duringeach epic in the plurality of epics

In some embodiments, the first application counter, the secondapplication counter, and the third application counter are exchangeable(e.g., interchangeable). For example, an amount in units of the thirdapplication counter is exchangeable by the first user within theapplication for a corresponding amount in units of the first applicationcounter, an amount in units of the third application counter isexchangeable by the first user within the application for acorresponding amount in units of the second application counter, thefirst application counter is not exchangeable by the first user withinthe application for the third application counter, and the secondapplication counter is not exchangeable by the first user within theapplication for the third application counter.

In some embodiments, a star score is uniquely associated with the firstuser, and the star score is determined, in part, by the first communityvote on the user selection of virtual furnishing units for the firstchallenge by the first user (submitted respective scene for the firstchallenge by the first user). In some such embodiments, the methodfurther comprises displaying the star score within the application onthe display.

In some embodiments, a design value is uniquely associated with thefirst user, and the design value is determined, in part, by a value ofeach virtual furnishing unit in the respective scene submitted by thefirst user in the first challenge.

In some embodiments, each respective challenge in the first plurality ofchallenges further comprises a countdown clock showing an amount of timeremaining for the respective challenge to be completed by the first userwithin the application. In some embodiments, a first amount of timeremaining for the first challenge to be completed by the first userwithin the application is different than a second amount of timeremaining for a second challenge in the plurality of challenges to becompleted by the first user within the application. In some suchembodiments, the first amount of time is one day, the first challenge isfree of constraints, and the second amount of time is two days.

In some embodiments, the one or more challenges is a plurality ofchallenges and a first subset of the plurality of challenges isavailable to the first user for user selection, a second subset of theplurality of challenges is closed and no longer available to the firstuser for user selection, and a third subset of the plurality ofchallenges is closed and no longer available to the first user for userselection. In such embodiments, each challenge in the second subset ofthe plurality of challenges is presently being voted on by a communityof users. In such embodiments, each challenge in the third subset of theplurality of challenges has been voted on by a community of users.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a filteragainst the first plurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding tothe respective marker within the first procedure thereby limiting anumber of virtual furnishing units in the first plurality of the virtualfurnishing units that are displayed upon user selection of the filter.In some embodiments, the filter comprises any combination of alimitation on brand of the virtual furnishing unit, a limitation oncolor of the virtual furnishing unit, a limitation on materialrepresented by the virtual furnishing unit, a limitation on pattern usedby the virtual furnishing unit, or a limitation on the style of thevirtual unit. In some embodiments, the filter comprises a limitation onthe color of the virtual furnishing unit and wherein the limitation oncolor is any combination of beige, black, blue, brown, clear, copper,dark grey, gold, green, grey, light grey, lime, metallic, mint, mirror,multi, navy, off white, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, tan,turquoise, white, and yellow. In some embodiments, the filter comprisesa limitation on the material represented by the virtual furnishing unitand wherein the limitation on material is any combination of acrylic,bone, burl, ceramic, concrete, cork, fabric, fiberglass, furry, glass,hide, lacquer, leather, marble, metal, natural, poly, rattan, shell,silk, skin, stone, velvet, wire, wood, and wool. In some embodiments,the filter comprises a limitation on the pattern used by the virtualfurnishing unit and wherein the limitation on pattern is any combinationof animal print antique, Chevron, Chinoiserie, Damask, distressed,floral, geometric, houndstooth, ikat, motif, nailhead, patchwork, plaid,quatrefoil, striped, toile, tufted, wash, and weathered. In someembodiments, the filter comprises a limitation on the style of thevirtual unit and wherein the style limitation is any combination ofcoastal, contemporary, French, global, industrial, kids, luxury, modern,outdoor, renaissance, rustic, and traditional.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing within theapplication a toggle affordance, where upon successive user selection ofthe toggle affordance the first plurality of markers of the firstchallenge is toggled between (i) a first state in which the firstplurality of markers of the first challenge are displayed in therespective scene and (ii) a second state in which the first plurality ofmarkers of the first challenge are not displayed in the respectivescene.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing the firstuser with an affordance that allows the first user to invite one or morefriends. For example, the affordance allows the first user to link theapplication with one or more social media accounts of the first user,and to invite one or more friends through the first user's social mediaaccounts. The application identifies, from the first user's social mediaaccounts, a list of friends who are current users of the application,and sends invitations to the one or more friends to join in the firstuser's challenge and provide virtual furnishing units for loan to thefirst user. In some such embodiments the first plurality of virtualfurnishing units further comprises one or more third virtual furnishingunits that are not retained by the first user but are retained by afriend in the one or more friends, where the one or more third virtualfurnishing units match the type of the respective marker. The first useris enabled to select the one or more third virtual furnishing units thatare retained by the friend, for use in the challenge (e.g., “borrow” theone or more third virtual furnishing units from the friend).

In another example, the affordance described above allows the first userto link the application with one or more E-mail address provided by thefirst user, and to invite one or more friends through these E-mailaddress provided by the user.

In some embodiments, the display is a touch-sensitive surface and theselection of the first affordance is detected by the application using agesture recognizer responsive to a touch of the touch-sensitive surfaceby the first user.

In some embodiments, the one or more challenges includes a serieschallenge. A series challenge comprises a set of challenges (e.g., a setof three, five, or seven challenges) that are linked to each other(e.g., by having a common theme). In some embodiments, only onechallenge in the series challenge is available to the user each time.For example, a second challenge in the series challenge is available tothe user only after the user has completed the first challenge in theseries challenge. Responsive to meeting the completion criterionassociated with the series challenge, the user is awarded an item (e.g.,in units of an application counter or a virtual furnishing unit).

In some embodiments, the first user can revisit previously completedchallenges that have been submitted for voting by the first community.In some embodiments, affordances are provided that enable a first userto edit the images of the previously completed challenges (e.g., bychanging an effect on the image, such as changing a color, brightness,flare of the image), and to create a virtual scrap book comprisingimages (e.g., edited images) of previously completed challenges.Furthermore, in some embodiments, affordances (e.g., links to externalvendors) are provided that facilitate the creation of a tangible bookbased on the first user's previously completed challenges.

In some embodiments, “real” data is integrated by offering virtualfurnishing units that are renditions of actual (e.g., real) furnishingunits provided by third-party licensed vendors/manufacturers. In someembodiments, the application provides affordances that allow a firstuser to visit the online stores of the third-party providers to purchasethe actual (e.g., real) furnishing units, for example by enabling theuser to access the websites of the third-party licensedvendors/manufacturers. In some embodiments, the stores of thethird-party vendors/manufacturers are located within the application,thereby allowing a first user to purchase a real furnishing unit withinthe application. Thus, in addition to providing systems and methods forcompetitive scene analysis, the application also interactively providesthird-party (furnishing) providers with marketing opportunities foreffective and increased customer reach and awareness.

In some embodiments, the application provides a fourth applicationcounter in the form of virtual style cards. Essentially, different typesof furnishing units have different styles, e.g., modern, TraditionalEnglish, 18^(th) Century English furniture style, and the like. In someembodiments, the way to earn those cards is initially unknown to a firstuser, and as the first user pieces together a particular style—either byrandom or by knowing about the style—the user is able to collect a stylecard. In some implementations, when a certain amount (e.g., a numberand/or types) of style cards are collected, the first user is able togain additional rewards based on a set of style cards. For example, whenthe first user collects a set of five style cards associated with themodern furnishing style, the first user may be able to earn a rare pieceof virtual furnishing unit that could be used in the future. Thus,virtual style cards are a type of tool to get users to learn aboutparticular styles, and how the different pieces fit together to form aparticular style. Virtual style cards are also a type of reward. Inparticular, a user is awarded a virtual style card for a particularstyle for which the user has demonstrated proficiency. In someembodiments, the first user is able to piece together a particular styleby using furnishing units with the same style in the same scene.

In some embodiments, affordances to associate (e.g., tag) users ashaving demonstrated proficiency at particular design styles are furtherprovided. For example, a first user may register himself as an expert atparticular design styles. Likewise, a first user can let other usersknow that the first user is an expert in a different design/style (e.g.,by tagging the first user in the application). Accordingly, theapplication also functions as a resource for users to locate and connectwith experts of interior decorating for particular furnishingstyles/designs, and to engage them both within the application and inreal life settings. As noted earlier, the virtual furnishing units arethree-dimensional graphical renditions of actual (e.g., real andcommercially available) furnishing units provided by third-partylicensed vendors/manufacturers.

In some embodiments, the client device of a first user is used tocapture the background (e.g., the environment) of the user. In some suchembodiments, the background is a live picture captured using a camera onthe client device. In some such embodiments, the background is a picturethat is found on the client device. The first user may then select avirtual furnishing unit that they already own or are interested inowning, and project (e.g., augments) the virtual furnishing unit overthe background, to visualize how the virtual furnishing unit looks inthe environment. Thus, the augmented reality capability increasespotential realism by enabling a user to visualize how the realfurnishing items will look and fit in the environment of the user,before a user commits to purchasing the item.

In some embodiments, the application further includes premises-relatedchallenges having respective completion criteria. In short, a first usermay design (e.g., decorate) an entire premise (e.g., house) thatincludes two or more rooms with a plurality of virtual furnishing unitsand invite one or more friends to visit their premise. The invited usersmay be enabled to decorate the premises of the first user as well. Insome embodiments, the premise initially starts with a single roomunlocked and then, as the first user progresses in the premises-relatedchallenges, additional rooms are unlocked, each unlocking process isassociated with respective challenges and including respectivecompletion criteria. In some embodiments, the premise is displayed ablueprint (e.g., a layout or a floor plan) that provides an overall viewof the premise and allows the first user to navigate the rooms withinthe premises using the blueprint.

In some embodiments, after completing one or more premises-relatedchallenges, the user is enabled to submit the premise including therespective room scenes and the associated virtual furnishing units to aremote server, for voting by a community of users. Responsive tosubmitting the premise including the respective room scenes andassociated virtual furnishing units for voting, the user is providedwith an amount in units of an application counter.

In some embodiments, the premise can be expanded as the design level ofthe user increases. For example, when the user has collected a thresholdamount of virtual furnishing units, completed a certain number ofpremises-related challenges, or when their premise has (e.g., contains)a threshold level of furnishing units, the user is provided with houseexpansion options, which may include adding a second floor, or adding anadditional wing to the house (e.g., a porch area or a backyard). Inother embodiments, the user can further expand on an existing premise,or earn (acquire) more premises.

In some embodiments, the premise is a house. In other embodiments, thepremises are licensed images and scenes associated with well-knownlandmark locations such as the West Wing of the White House, BuckinghamPalace, Hearst Castle and the Winchester Mystery House.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, after populating a room scene withvirtual furnishing units, the first user is enabled to decorate smalldetails of the premise with virtual accessory units, a process known as“micro-decorating.” For example, the first user may micro-decorate apremise by adding kitchen appliances on the kitchen counter and placingpicture frames in the hallways of rooms that have been populated withvirtual furnishing units. Specifically, the user may be offered azoomed-in view of a particular virtual furnishing unit (e.g., thekitchen counter) that they have selected, and then place virtualaccessory units on the particular virtual furnishing units.

In some embodiments, the application determines (e.g., calculates) alevel of the premise. The level of the premise is determined in part bythe total value of the virtual furnishing units with which the premiseis populated, and increases with the quantity (and amount) of virtualfurnishing units. In some embodiments, when the value of the virtualfurnishing units increases to a certain level, then the premise goes upa level, enabling the user to gain additional rewards.

In some embodiments, the first user is enabled to invite their friends,or people on their contacts' list, to visit their premise. Responsive tothe invitation to visit, the first user receives gifts (e.g.,housewarming gifts) from their friends, in the form of units ofrespective application counters and/or virtual furnishing units, thusincreasing the value of the premise. In some implementations, the giftsare virtual accessory units. In such instances, the application mayprovide additional affordances to enable friends of the user to decoratethe premises of the user with the virtual accessory gifts.

In some embodiments, the application enables a community of premises tobe established. Essentially, a community of premises comprises aguild/neighborhood (e.g., a gated community) of premises formed by afirst user and a plurality of other users. In some embodiments, thecommunity includes a total of between 20 and 30 premises. In someembodiments, the community may participate in community-relatedchallenges.

In some embodiments, the community has a first community level. Thecommunity advances to higher levels by engaging in (e.g., completing)community-related challenges, such as designing a common area, orimproving a landscape of the community. In some embodiments, thecommunity may compete with other communities on premises-related and/orcommunity-related challenges, to see who can decorate the houses and thecommunities better. In some embodiments, a community organizes “openhouse” events that encourage users to visit the community (including thehouses and common areas of the community). In some embodiments, as partof the open house event, the community receives gifts from the visitors,in the form of an application counter, furnishing units and/or realworld promotions.

In one aspect, some embodiments include a method for competitive scenecompletion. The method is performed at a client device comprising acamera, a display, one or more processors and memory, in an applicationrunning on the client device associated with a user. The methodcomprises providing the user with an affordance corresponding to achallenge, where the challenge is associated with a scene (such as acorner of a room in the user's premises, in the backyard, in a garden,etc.) obtained by activation of the camera and includes a completioncriterion (e.g., place up to two items). Further in the method,responsive to selection of the affordance: (a) the scene obtained by thecamera is displayed, (b) a plurality of virtual furnishing unitsoverlaid on (e.g., superimposed over) the scene is displayed; (c) aselection of a first virtual furnishing unit in the plurality of virtualfurnishing units is received; and (d) a selection of a first location(e.g., on a countertop, on a table, on the floor) in the scene isreceived. Further in the method, responsive to the selection of thefirst location, a three-dimensional graphic of the first virtualfurnishing unit (e.g., a three-dimensional rendering of a realfurnishing unit) is displayed at the first location, thereby populatingthe first location of the scene with the first virtual furnishing unit.When the completion criterion associated with the challenge is satisfiedthe method provides for capturing an image of the scene including thethree-dimensional graphic of the first virtual furnishing unitpopulating the first location of the scene and, responsive to thecapturing, providing the user with a first amount in units of anapplication counter. In some implementations, the camera includes one ormore (optical) image sensors having a field of view and being configuredto capture (live) images and (live) video within the field of view.

In another aspect, some implementations include a method for competitivescene completion. The method is performed at a client device comprisinga display, one or more processors and memory, in an application runningon the client device associated with a first user. The method comprisesproviding a first user with one or more affordances, each affordance inthe one or more affordances corresponding to a different respectivechallenge in a set of one or more challenges, each challenge in the setof one or more challenges comprising: (i) an image of a respective sceneand (ii) an independent first plurality of markers, each marker in theindependent first plurality of markers having a different designated setof coordinates within the respective scene and corresponding to a typewithin a plurality of types. In the method, responsive to selection of afirst affordance in the one or more affordances, the image of therespective scene and the first plurality of markers of a first challengein the one or more challenges that corresponds to the first affordanceis displayed. Further in the method, for each sequential user selectionin a first plurality of user selections, of a respective marker in thefirst plurality of markers, of the challenge corresponding to the firstaffordance, a procedure is performed. The procedure comprises: (a)displaying a first plurality of virtual furnishing units correspondingto the respective marker, (b) receiving a user selection of a selectedvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits; and (c) displaying a three-dimensional graphic of the selectedvirtual furnishing unit at the different designated set of coordinateswithin the respective scene, thereby populating the respective scenewith a first plurality of three-dimensional graphics, each respectivethree-dimensional graphic in the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics at the corresponding designated set of coordinates within therespective scene specified by the different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene of the corresponding marker.Further in the method, responsive to the first plurality of userselections of the virtual furnishing units, there is identified a firstfurnishing style associated with the virtual furnishing units. Further,there is provided (e.g., awarded, offered to) the first user a firstunit of a virtual currency. In some embodiments, the identifying a firstfurnishing style associated with the virtual furnishing units comprisesusing a nearest neighbor algorithm (or other form of classifier) againsta search space that is defined by (i) a first location within the sceneidentified by the first user (e.g., using the coordinates of the scene)and (ii) furnishing styles that other users have selected for the firstlocation or locations within the vicinity of the first location. In someembodiments, the virtual currency is in the form of a first applicationcounter, a second application counter, a third application counter, or afourth application counter. In some implementations, the fourthapplication counter is in the form of a virtual style card.

In another aspect, some implementations include a method for competitivescene completion. The method is performed at a client device comprisinga display, one or more processors and memory, in an application runningon the client device associated with a first user. The method comprisesproviding the first user with a first plurality of affordances.Responsive to selection of a first affordance in the first plurality ofaffordances, there is displayed one or more images (e.g., asthumbnails), each of the one or more images corresponding to a scene ofa previous challenge completed by the first user and including aplurality of virtual furnishing units that was used to complete theprevious challenge. Responsive to selection of a first image of the oneor more images, there is concurrently displayed (e.g., in the same viewof the display) (i) a magnified view of the first image including afirst plurality of virtual furnishing units that was used to completethe challenge and (ii) an image for each virtual furnishing unit in thefirst plurality of virtual furnishing units. In some implementations,each of the first plurality of affordances is an icon displayed at apredefined area of the application. In some embodiments, the image ofeach virtual furnishing unit is displayed as a thumbnail, the images ofthe virtual furnishing units are displayed in a layout view, having theform of a table and including rows and columns, with each imageoccupying a cell in the table.

In yet another aspect, some implementations include a method forcompetitive scene completion. The method is performed at a client devicecomprising a display, one or more processors and memory, in anapplication running on the client device associated with a first user.The method comprises providing the first user with an affordancecorresponding to a challenge associated with a premises (e.g., a houseor a building), the premises including a plurality of rooms. Responsiveto selection of the affordance: (a) there is displayed a layout of thepremises including the plurality of rooms and relationships between theplurality of rooms, (b) a selection of a first room of the plurality ofrooms in the layout is received, and (c) responsive to the selection ofthe first room, an image corresponding to a first room scene of thefirst room is displayed. In some implementations, the challengecomprises decorating the premises with a plurality of virtual furnishingunits. In some implementations, the plurality of rooms is apredetermined number and of a predetermined type (e.g., each of a livingroom, a kitchen, and a bedroom is a type of room). In some embodiments,the layout is also referred to as the first mode of display of theapplication. The layout comprises a blueprint showing a floor plan (or aplan view) of the premise including the plurality of rooms, the relativelocation of each of the plurality of rooms, relationships between theplurality of rooms, and the walls separating the rooms. The dimensionsof the rooms in the layout are drawn to scale. In some embodiments, thepremises has multiple stories and the layout details one such story. Insome embodiments, the image of the room scene is also referred to as thesecond mode of display of the application. The image of the room sceneincludes a three-dimensional perspective/presentation/image of the firstroom.

In yet another aspect, some embodiments include a method for forming afirst community performed at a client device comprising a display, oneor more processors and memory, in an application running on the clientdevice associated with a first user. The method comprises receivingselection of a plurality of other users associated with the first user,where each of the plurality of other users is associated with arespective other client device, the application running on therespective client device (e.g., each of the plurality of other users isa respective user of the application). The method further comprisessending to (the application on) each other client device an invitation(e.g., to participate in a challenge) to form a first community. Themethod further comprises receiving affirmative responses from at least asubset of the plurality of other users. Responsive to the receivedresponses, the method creates the first community and associates thefirst user and the other users that each provided an affirmativeresponse with the first community.

In yet another aspect, some implementations include a computing systemcomprising a display, one or more processors, and memory coupled to theone or more processors, the memory storing one or more programsconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or moreprograms singularly or collectively comprising instructions for runningan application on the computing device for performing any of the methodsdescribed herein.

In yet another aspect, some implementations include a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs in acomputing device, the computing device comprising a display, one or moreprocessors, and memory storing the one or more programs for execution bythe one or more processors, the one or more programs singularly orcollectively comprising instructions for running an application on thecomputing device for performing any of the methods described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The implementations disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example,and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an example block diagram illustrating a computing system, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example block diagram illustrating a client computingdevice, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example block diagram illustrating an application server,in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example application on a client computer device,in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I, and 5J collectively provide aflowchart of processes and features of systems and methods forcompetitive scene completion in an application in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure. In these figures, elements indashed boxes are optional.

FIG. 6 is a screen image showing, responsive to user selection of afirst affordance in the first plurality of affordances, the display ofan image of a respective scene and a first plurality of markers of afirst challenge in a first plurality of challenges that corresponds tothe first affordance, in accordance with some implementations of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a screen image showing the receiving of a user selection of aselected virtual furnishing unit in a first plurality of virtualfurnishing units and displaying a three-dimensional graphic of theselected virtual furnishing unit at the different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a screen image showing user selection of additional virtualfurnishing units for additional markers in a plurality of markers anddisplaying the three-dimensional graphics corresponding to the selectedvirtual furnishing units at the different designated sets of coordinatesof the additional markers within the scene in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a screen image showing an application that enables a user tosubmit a scene with selected three-dimensional graphics within the scenewhen a first completion criterion associated with a challenge thatincludes the scene has been satisfied in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a screen image showing an application after a user hassubmitted a scene with selected three-dimensional graphics within thescene when a first completion criterion associated with a challenge thatincludes the scene has been satisfied in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a screen image showing how a user has a first balance of afirst application counter, a second balance of a second applicationcounter, and a third balance of a third application counter, and how anamount in units of the third application counter is exchangeable by thefirst user within an application for a corresponding amount in units ofthe first or second application counter, the first application counteris not exchangeable by the user within the application for the thirdapplication counter, and the second application counter is notexchangeable by a user within the application for the third applicationcounter in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an invitation to a user to vote on completedchallenges in which there is concurrently displayed on the display (i) afirst image comprising a candidate scene populated with a first set ofthree-dimensional graphics at corresponding designated sets ofcoordinates within a candidate scene that has been submitted by one userother than the voting user, and (ii) a second image comprising thecandidate scene populated with a second set of three-dimensionalgraphics at corresponding designated sets of coordinates within thecandidate scene that has been submitted by a another user other than thevoting user in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 further illustrates an invitation to a user to vote on completedchallenges in which there is concurrently displayed on the display (i) afirst image comprising a candidate scene populated with a first set ofthree-dimensional graphics at corresponding designated sets ofcoordinates within a candidate scene that has been submitted by one userother than the voting user, and (ii) a second image comprising thecandidate scene populated with a second set of three-dimensionalgraphics at corresponding designated sets of coordinates within thecandidate scene that has been submitted by a another user other than thevoting user in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates, responsive to an invitation to vote, concurrentlydisplaying on a display (i) a first image comprising a candidate scenepopulated with a first set of three-dimensional graphics atcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within as scene that hasbeen submitted by a user other than the voting user and (ii) a secondimage comprising the candidate scene populated with a second set ofthree-dimensional graphics at corresponding designated sets ofcoordinates within the scene that has been submitted by a second userother than the first user and the voting user in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a screen image of an application inviting a user toparticipate in a respective challenge in a plurality of challenges, eachchallenge in the plurality of challenges comprising (i) an image of arespective scene and (ii) a first plurality of markers, each markerhaving a different designated set of coordinates within the respectivescene and corresponding to a type within a plurality of types inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is another screen image of an application inviting a user toparticipate in a respective challenge in a plurality of challenges, eachchallenge in the plurality of challenges comprising (i) an image of arespective scene and (ii) a first plurality of markers, each markerhaving a different designated set of coordinates within the respectivescene and corresponding to a type within a plurality of types, where thechallenge is associated with a first amount, in units of a firstapplication counter, required to submit the respective scenecorresponding to the challenge in accordance with some implementationsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a screen image illustrating a challenge, where the challengecomprises (i) an image of a respective scene and (ii) a first pluralityof markers, each marker having a different designated set of coordinateswithin the respective scene and corresponding to a type within aplurality of types, where the challenge is associated with a firstamount, in units of a first application counter, required to submit therespective scene corresponding to the challenge and where a userreceives a second amount, in units of a second application counter, whenthe user complete the completion criteria associated with the challengeand submits the scene corresponding to the challenge for communityvoting in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a screen image illustrating a virtual furnishing unit notretained by the first user, where the virtual furnishing unit isassociated with a cost in units of a second application counter or athird application counter, and where user selection of the virtualfurnishing unit comprises debiting the cost in units of the secondapplication counter or the third application counter against therespective second or third balance of the user in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a screen image illustrating the display of a plurality ofvirtual furnishing units corresponding to a respective marker, where theplurality of virtual furnishing units comprises (i) one or more firstvirtual furnishing units retained (owned) by the user that match thetype of the respective marker and (ii) one or more second virtualfurnishing units not retained (not owned) by the user that match thetype of the respective marker, where the displaying further comprisesremoving from display any virtual furnishing units that do not qualifyfor populating the respective marker in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates providing a filter against a plurality of virtualfurnishing units corresponding to a respective marker thereby limiting anumber of virtual furnishing units that are displayed upon userselection of the filter in accordance with some implementations of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 21 further illustrates providing a filter against a plurality ofvirtual furnishing units corresponding to a respective marker therebylimiting a number of virtual furnishing units that are displayed uponuser selection of the filter in accordance with some implementations ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a screen image illustrating the display of a completed sceneincluding a plurality of three-dimensional graphics of selectedfurnishing units and a corresponding room value, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is another flow chart illustrating a method for competitivescene completion in an application, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are screen images illustrating an example virtualstyle card, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 is a screen image displaying a collection of style cards, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is another flow chart illustrating a method for revisitingpreviously completed challenges in an application, in accordance withsome implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a screen image displaying a plurality of images, each of theplurality of images corresponding to a scene of a previous challengecompleted by a user, in accordance with some implementations of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a screen image that is displayed in response to receiving ofa user selection of one of the plurality of images of FIG. 27, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a screen image that is displayed in response to receiving ofa user selection of one of a plurality of virtual furnishing units ofFIG. 28, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 30 is a screen image displaying a user's inventory of virtualfurnishing units, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 31 is a screen image displaying an affordance inviting a user toparticipate in a challenge obtained by activation of a camera on aclient device associated with the user, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating a method for competitive scenecompletion in an application, the scene obtained by activation of acamera of a client device associated with a user, in accordance withsome implementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 33A to 33R are screen images illustrating a process forcompetitive scene completion in an application, the scene obtained byactivation of a camera of a client device associated with a user, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are screen images illustrating affordances forpremises-related challenges, in accordance with some implementations ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating a method for competitive scenecompletion associated with a premises in an application, in accordancewith some implementations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are screen images displaying details of a room in apremises, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 37 is another screen image displaying details of a room in apremises, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 38 a flow chart illustrating a method for creating a firstcommunity, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 39 is a screen image illustrating affordances in an applicationthat enable a user to receive notifications, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are systems and methods for scene completion in anapplication. Referring to FIG. 16, a user selects from among affordances1602. Each affordance 1602 corresponds to a different challenge.Referring to FIG. 6, each challenge comprises a scene image 52 of arespective scene and a plurality of markers. As illustrated in FIG. 6,each marker 56 has a different designated set of coordinates within therespective scene and corresponds to a type within a plurality of types.Responsive to selection of an affordance 1602 (FIG. 16), the image, suchas the scene image 52 of FIG. 6, of the respective scene and pluralityof markers of the corresponding challenge is displayed. Continuing torefer to FIG. 6, for each sequential user marker 56 selection within thechallenge, a plurality of virtual furnishing units 74 corresponding tothe respective marker is displayed. Referring to FIG. 19, the furnishingunits match the type of the selected marker and comprise virtualfurnishing units retained (owned) 1902 by the user and virtualfurnishing units not retained (not owned, shop) 1904 by the user. Inresponse to receiving a user selection of one of these furnishing units,a three-dimensional graphic 354 of FIG. 8 of the selected unit at thedesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene is displayed.In this way, the scene image 52 of FIG. 8 is populated withthree-dimensional graphics each of which is at a correspondingdesignated set of coordinates within the scene specified by thecorresponding marker. Referring to FIG. 9, the user submits the scenewith the plurality of graphics when a completion criterion of the firstchallenge has been satisfied. The criterion specifies whichcorresponding designated set of coordinates within the scene must bepopulated and, referring to FIG. 17, specifies a cost 356, in units of afirst application counter 60, required for submission (e.g., 15 keys inFIG. 17). Responsive to submitting the scene with the plurality ofgraphics, the user selection of furnishing units for the challenge iscommunicated to a remote server and the user is provided with an award358 (e.g., a reward) of a second amount in units of a second applicationcounter 64 (e.g., $2,500 in FIG. 17). There is received from the remoteserver a community vote on the user selection of virtual furnishingunits for the challenge by the user. The user is notified of the votefor the challenge. The user is limited to using a virtual furnishingunit retained by the first user in a predetermined number of challenges1910 (FIG. 19) before the virtual furnishing unit is no longer retainedby the user.

Now that an overview of improved systems and methods for competitivescene completion in an application has been provided, additional detailsof systems, devices, and/or computers in accordance with the presentdisclosure are now described in relation to the FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system 100, inaccordance with some implementations. In some implementations, thecomputing system 100 includes one or more computing devices 102 (e.g.,computing devices 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, and 102N) (also known as aclient device), a communication network 104, and one or more applicationserver systems 106. In some implementations, a computing device 102 is aphone (mobile or landline, smart phone or otherwise), a tablet, acomputer (mobile or otherwise), or a hands free computing device. Insome embodiments, a computing device 102 is any device having a touchscreen display. In some embodiments, a computing device 102 is anydevice having a display that will detect a location of a stylus. In someembodiments, a computing device 102 is any device that is in electroniccommunication and responsive to an electronic pointing device such as atrack ball or a mouse.

In some implementations, a computing device 102 provides a mechanism bywhich a user earns credit through successful completion of one or morechallenges within an application. In these challenges, the userpopulates a scene (e.g., a room in a house) with three-dimensionalgraphic images of virtual furnishing units. In typical embodiments,these three-dimensional graphic images are two-dimensional in nature butdepict a three dimensional “perspective view” of the correspondingvirtual furnishing unit. For instance, in the case where the virtualfurnishing unit is a couch, the corresponding three-dimensional graphicimage of the couch would be a two-dimensional perspective of the couchthat gives rise to a three-dimensional appearance.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some implementations, the computing device 102includes an application module 44 that facilitates the above identifiedactions. In some implementations, the computing device 102 also includesa user profile 48. The user profile 48 stores characteristics of theuser such as application credit that the user has acquired in the formof a first application counter 60 (e.g., keys), a second applicationcounter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), and a third application counter 66(e.g., diamonds) that the user has acquired through use of theapplication 44. In some implementations, the computing device 102 alsoincludes a communications module 46. The communications module 46 isused to communicate with application server 106, for instance, to selectchallenges, communicate the selection of virtual furnishing units forchallenges, and select furnishing units for challenges.

In some implementations, the communication network 104 interconnects oneor more computing devices 102 with each other, and with the applicationserver system 106. In some implementations, the communication network104 optionally includes the Internet, one or more local area networks(LANs), one or more wide area networks (WANs), other types of networks,or a combination of such networks.

In some implementations, the application server system 106 includes anapplication server module 318, a user profile database 336, a challengedatabase 346 comprising a plurality of challenges 50, a scene database340, and/or a virtual furnishing unit database 328. In some embodiments,the application server module 318, through the application module 44,provides players (users) with challenges 50. Typically, a challenge 50challenges a user to populate a corresponding scene image 52, such asthe scene image 52 shown in FIG. 7, with a plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics 354, where each such three-dimensionalgraphic is placed at corresponding designated set of coordinates withinthe respective scene. Advantageously, in some embodiments, theapplication server module 318 can draw from any of the scene images 52in scene database 340 to build challenges 50. In some embodiments, thescene database 340 includes licenses and/or access to scenes ofcommercial or landmark/historical buildings. In alternative embodiments,the application server module 318 draws from upon a predetermined set ofscene images 52 in scene database 340 to build one or more predeterminedchallenges 50. In other embodiments, the scene of a challenge isobtained directly from the client device 102. For example, the scene isa live image or a live video obtained using one or more opticalsensors/cameras 473 on the client device 102 (See FIG. 2).Alternatively, the scene is an image 45 stored on the client device 102(See FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, as each user progresses in the application, theyimprove their scores or other characteristics. In some embodiments, suchscores or other characteristics are used to select which scene images 52are used in the challenges offered by application server module 318 toany given user. The goal is to match the skill level and/or experiencelevel of a given user to the challenges the user participates in so thatthe given player is appropriately challenged and is motivated tocontinue use of the application. Thus, in some embodiments, thedifficulty of the challenges offered to a given user matches the skilllevel and/or experience level of the user. As the user successfullycompletes challenges, their skill level and/or experience leveladvances. In some embodiments, the types of challenges offered to a userare not influenced by the user's experience level or othercharacteristics of the user. In some embodiments, application servermodule 318 allows the user to select challenges 50.

In some embodiments, the challenge database 346 is used to store thechallenges 50 that may be offered by the application server module 318.In some embodiments, some or all of the challenges 50 in the challengedatabase 346 are system created rather than user created. This providesa measure of quality control, by ensuring a good spectrum of challengesof varying degrees of difficulty. In this way, there are challenges 50available for both beginners and more advanced users.

As referenced above, in some embodiments, the scene database 340 storesa description of each of the scene images 52 that may be used inchallenges offered by the application server module 318 and/orapplication module 44. In some embodiments, a scene is that of a singleroom. In some embodiments, a scene is that of a single room in a home(e.g., a bedroom, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom, alibrary, a family room, a game room, a garage, etc.). In someembodiments a scene is of an outdoor location (e.g., a porch, a patio, aback yard, a pool area, a front yard, a side yard, a plaza, etc.). Insome embodiments, a scene is that of a compartment or room in a boat,plane, train, cave, subway, bus, van, trailer, recreational vehicle, ortent. In some embodiments, a scene is that of a hotel lobby, a spa, acafeteria, a ranch, a winery, or any other outdoor area. In otherembodiments, a scene is that of a premises 51 and correspondingly thescene database stores a layout 53 and rooms and information 55associated with the premises 51. In typical embodiments, a challenge 50stored in challenge database 346 is associated with a singletwo-dimensional scene 52 in the scene database 340. In some embodiments,the scene database 340 is subsumed by the challenge database 346.

In some embodiments, application server module 318 maintains a profilein the user profile database 336 of each user that makes use of theapplication module 44 on a computing device 102. In some embodiments,there are hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands or more users of theapplication module 44 on corresponding computing devices 102 and anapplication server module 318 stores a profile for each such user inuser profile database 336. In some embodiments, the user profiledatabase 336 does not store an actual identity of such users, but rathera simple login and password. In some embodiments, the profiles in theuser profile database 336 are limited to the logins and passwords ofusers. In some embodiments, the profiles in user profile database 336comprises user logins, passwords, and current balances in terms of thefirst application counter 60, second application counter 64, thirdapplication counter 66, and fourth application counter 67. In someembodiments, the profiles in user profile database 336 store moreinformation about each user, such as an identity of completedchallenges, and the virtual furnishing units the user selected for eachsuch challenge. In some embodiments, the user profile in the userprofile database 336 includes a limited amount of information whereas auser profile 48 on a computing device 102 associated with the usercontains more information. For example, in some embodiments, the userprofile in user profile database 336 includes user login and passwordand application credit acquired (e.g., in terms of the first, second,third, and/or fourth application counter) whereas the user profile 48 onthe computing device 102 for the same user includes information onchallenges completed by the user. It will be appreciated that anypossible variation of this is possible, with the profile for the user inuser profile database 336 including all or any subset of the dataassociated with the user and the user profile 48 for the user on thecorresponding computing device 102 including all or any subset of thedata associated with the user. In some embodiments, there is no userprofile 48 stored on computing device 102 and the only profile for theuser is stored on application server 106 in user profile database 336.

FIG. 2 is an example block diagram illustrating a computing device 102,in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. Ithas one or more processing units (CPU's) 402, peripherals interface 470,memory controller 468, a network or other communications interface 420,a memory 407 (e.g., random access memory), a user interface 406, theuser interface 406 including a display 408 and input 410 (e.g.,keyboard, keypad, touch screen, mouse, track ball), an optionalaccelerometer 417, optional audio circuitry 472, an optional speakerand/or audio jack 460, an optional microphone 462, one or more optionalintensity sensors 464 for detecting intensity of contacts on thecomputing device 102 (e.g., a touch-sensitive surface such as atouch-sensitive display system 408 of the computing device 102),optional input/output (I/O) subsystem 466, one or more optional opticalsensors/camera 473, one or more communication busses 412 forinterconnecting the aforementioned components, and a power system 418for powering the aforementioned components.

In typical embodiments, the input 410 is a touch-sensitive display, suchas a touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the user interface406 includes one or more soft keyboard embodiments. The soft keyboardembodiments may include standard (QWERTY) and/or non-standardconfigurations of symbols on the displayed icons.

Computing device 102 optionally includes, in addition toaccelerometer(s) 417, a magnetometer (not shown) and a GPS 419 (orGLONASS or other global navigation system) receiver for obtaininginformation concerning the coordinates and orientation (e.g., portraitor landscape) of computing device 102.

It should be appreciated that computing device 102 is only one exampleof a multifunction device that may be used, and that computing device102 optionally has more or fewer components than shown, optionallycombines two or more components, or optionally has a differentconfiguration or arrangement of the components. The various componentsshown in FIG. 2 are implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or acombination thereof, including one or more signal processing and/orapplication specific integrated circuits.

Memory 407 optionally includes high-speed random access memory andoptionally also includes non-volatile memory, such as one or moremagnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory 407 by othercomponents of computing device 102, such as CPU(s) 402 is, optionally,controlled by memory controller 468.

Peripherals interface 470 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU(s) 402 and memory 407. The one or moreprocessors 402 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 407 to perform various functions forcomputing device 102 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 470, CPU(s) 402, and memorycontroller 468 are, optionally, implemented on a single chip. In someother embodiments, they are, optionally, implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 of network interface 420 receives andsends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals andcommunicates with communications networks and other communicationsdevices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 420 optionallyincludes well-known circuitry for performing these functions, includingbut not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or moreamplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signalprocessor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card,memory, and so forth. RF circuitry 108 optionally communicates withnetworks 104. In some embodiments, circuitry 108 does not include RFcircuitry and, in fact, is connected to network 104 through one or morehard wires (e.g., an optical cable, a coaxial cable, or the like).

Examples of networks 104 include, but are not limited to, the World WideWeb (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellulartelephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or ametropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wirelesscommunication. The wireless communication optionally uses any of aplurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies,including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packetaccess (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution,Data-Only (EV-DO), HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long termevolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), wideband code divisionmultiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), timedivision multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)(e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP),Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol(IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g.,extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session InitiationProtocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions(SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or ShortMessage Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol,including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filingdate of this document.

In some embodiments, audio circuitry 472, speaker 460, and microphone462 provide an audio interface between a subject (user of applicationmodule 44) and computing device 102. The audio circuitry 472 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 470, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 460.Speaker 460 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 472 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 462 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 472 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 470 for processing. Audio data is, optionally,retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory 407 and/or RF circuitry 420by peripherals interface 470.

In some embodiments, power system 418 optionally includes a powermanagement system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternatingcurrent (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, apower converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., alight-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with thegeneration, management and distribution of power in portable devices.

In some embodiments, the computing device 102 optionally also includesone or more optical sensors/camera. Optical sensor(s)/camera 473optionally include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementarymetal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Opticalsensor(s)/camera 473 receive light from the environment, projectedthrough one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing animage. Optical sensor(s)/camera 473 optionally capture live and stillimages and/or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor/camera islocated on the back of computing device 102, opposite display system 408on the front of the device, so that the touch screen is enabled for useas a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a computing device 102 preferably comprises anoperating system 40 (e.g., iOS, ANDROID, DARWIN, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OSX, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks), whichincludes various software components and/or drivers for controlling andmanaging general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage devicecontrol, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication betweenvarious hardware and software components. The device further optionallycomprises a file system 42 which may be a component of operating system40, for managing files stored or accessed by the computing device 102.Further still, the computing device 102 further comprises an applicationmodule 44 for providing a user with an application having the disclosedmethods for competitive scene completion in an application. In someembodiments, the computing device 102 also stores one or more images 45.The one or more images 45 may be acquired using the one or optionaloptical sensors/camera 473 of the computing device 102. Alternatively,the computing device 102 may receive the one or more images 45 fromother devices that the computing device 102 is connected to. In someembodiments, the computing device 102 comprises a communications module(or instructions) 46 for connecting the computing device 102 with otherdevices (e.g., the application server 106 and the devices 102B . . .102N) via one or more network interfaces 420 (wired or wireless), and/orthe communication network 104 (FIG. 1).

Further still, in some embodiments, the computing device 102 comprises auser profile 48 for tracking the aspects of the user. Exemplary aspectsinclude a description of one or more challenges the user has completedor is presently working on, and for each such challenge, an indicationof the scene image 52 for the challenge, the markers 56 within the image(and for each respective marker the coordinates of the respective markerwithin the challenge, the marker type 70 of the respective marker,whether the respective marker is required or optional 72, the virtualfurnishing unit 74 that the user has selected for the respective marker,and the virtual accessory unit 75 that the user has selected for therespective marker). In some embodiments, the user profile 48 alsoincludes information about one or more premises 51 owned by the user(not shown). Additional exemplary aspects include a first balance of afirst application counter 60 (e.g., keys), a second balance of a secondapplication counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), a third balance of a thirdapplication counter 66 (e.g., diamonds), a fourth balance of a fourthapplication counter 67 (e.g., style cards), a star score 68, a designvalue 70, a design level 71, and virtual furnishing units owned by theuser 77.

In some implementations, one or more of the above identified elementsare stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices,and correspond to a set of instructions for performing a functiondescribed above. The above identified modules or programs (e.g., sets ofinstructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may becombined or otherwise re-arranged in various implementations. In someimplementations, the memory 407 optionally stores a subset of themodules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, the memory407 may store additional modules and data structures not describedabove.

FIG. 3 is an example block diagram illustrating an application server106 in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.The application server 106 typically includes one or more processingunits CPU(s) 302 (also referred to as processors), one or more networkinterfaces 304, memory 310, and one or more communication buses 308 forinterconnecting these components. The communication buses 308 optionallyinclude circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) that interconnects andcontrols communications between system components. The memory 310includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM orother random access solid state memory devices and optionally includesnon-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices,optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or othernon-volatile solid state storage devices. The memory 310 optionallyincludes one or more storage devices remotely located from CPU(s) 302.The memory 310, or alternatively the non-volatile memory device(s)within the memory 310, comprises anon-transitory computer readablestorage medium. In some implementations, the memory 310 or alternativelythe non-transitory computer readable storage medium stores the followingprograms, modules and data structures, or a subset thereof:

-   -   an operating system 312, which includes procedures for handling        various basic system services and for performing hardware        dependent tasks;    -   optionally, a file system 314 which may be a component of        operating system 312, for managing files stored or accessed by        the application server 106;    -   a network communication module (or instructions) 316 for        connecting the application server 106 with other devices (e.g.,        the computing devices 102) via the one or more network        interfaces 304 (wired or wireless), or the communication network        104 (FIG. 1);    -   an application server module 318 for managing a plurality of        instances of an application 44, each instance corresponding to a        different participant (user of a computing device 102) and for        tracking user activities within such application 44;    -   a virtual furnishing unit database 328 to track the virtual        furnishing units 74 that are supported by the application 44 as        well as the costs 350 of such units, the characteristics (e.g.,        type 352 and furnishing style 353) of such units, and the        three-dimensional graphic 354 of such units. In some        embodiments, the virtual furnishing unit database 328 further        tracks virtual accessory units 75 that are supported by the        application 44 as well as the costs 366 of such units, the        characteristics (e.g., type 368 and furnishing style 370) of        such units, and the three-dimensional graphic 372 of such        virtual accessory units.    -   a user profile database 336 that stores a user profile 338 for        each user of the application module 44 (e.g., that is run on        computing device 102 of FIG. 2);    -   an optional scene database 340 that stores a description of each        scene image 52 (e.g., such as the scene illustrated in FIG. 4)        that is hosted by the system (e.g. by challenges 50), including        for each such scene information 344 regarding the scene; and    -   a challenge database 346 for storing the challenges 50 that may        be offered to the application server module 318, wherein each        respective challenge 50 in the challenge database 346 provides        the affordance 345 for the respective challenge, the scene image        52 for the respective challenge, the markers 56 for the        respective challenge, a cost 356, in units of the first counter,        for participating in the respective challenge, a reward, in        units of the second counter, for participating in the respective        challenge, any constraints 360 associated with the respective        challenge, a countdown timer 362 for the respective challenge,        and any applicable epic 364 for the respective challenge.

In some implementations, one or more of the above identified elementsare stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices,and correspond to a set of instructions for performing a functiondescribed above. The above identified modules or programs (e.g., sets ofinstructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may becombined or otherwise re-arranged in various implementations. In someimplementations, the memory 310 optionally stores a subset of themodules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, the memory310 may store additional modules and data structures not describedabove.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show a “computing device 102” and an “applicationserver 106,” respectively, FIGS. 2 and 3 are intended more as functionaldescription of the various features which may be present in computersystems than as a structural schematic of the implementations describedherein. In practice, and as recognized by those of ordinary skill in theart, items shown separately could be combined and some items could beseparated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for improved competitivescene completion in an application, e.g., using a computing device 102and/or application server 106, in accordance with some implementations.In some implementations, a user initiates, at the computing device 102,an instruction to start the application module 44 using the computingdevice 102A. In some embodiments, in response, application server 106identifies the user profile 338 associated with the user who justinitiated the application module 44. In some alternative embodiments(not shown), some or all of the components of the user profile isactually obtained from the user profile 48 stored locally on thecomputing device 102 rather than obtaining a profile of the user fromthe server. In still other embodiments, some components of the userprofile are obtained from user profile 48 of computing device 102whereas other components of the user profile are obtained from the userprofile 338. Accordingly, as noted in block 502 of FIG. 5A, a method isperformed at a client device 102 comprising a display 408, one or moreprocessors 402 and memory 407, in an application 44 running on theclient device. The application 44 is associated with a user.

Turning to block 504, the first user is provided with one or moreaffordances. Each of the one or more affordances corresponds to adifferent respective challenge 50 in a corresponding set of one or morechallenges. In some embodiments, the set of one or more challengesconsists of a single challenge. In some embodiments, the set of one ormore challenges comprises three or more challenges, five or morechallenges, ten or more challenges, 50 or more challenges, or 100 ormore challenges. In some embodiments, the set of one or more challengesincludes a series challenge. A series challenge consists of a set ofchallenges (e.g., a set of three, five, or seven challenges) that arelinked to (associated with) each other by a (e.g., common) theme. Anexample of a series challenge is “Tour the Tropics” (e.g., having atropical theme) and the challenges in the series include “A Taste ofFiji,” “Sunset in Sri Lanka,” “Walking on Water in Mo'orea,” and “R&R inRarotonga,” each having a respective scene in the tropics. Each of thechallenges in the series challenge has its respective scene andrespective completion criterion. In addition, the series challenge has aseries completion criterion. In some embodiments, the series challengecompletion criterion is a completion of four out of five challenges inthe series. In other embodiments, the series completion criterionrequires completion of all the challenges in the series. The user isawarded (rewarded) a prize upon fulfillment of the series challengecompletion criterion. In some embodiments, the set of one or morechallenges also includes elite challenges that are only available tousers who have achieved a predefined design level 71 in FIG. 2 (e.g., anelite challenge is available to a user who has attained design level 10in the application 44). In other embodiments, the set of one or morechallenges includes “serious” challenges that involve designing one ormore rooms of famous landmark (e.g., historical) buildings, such asrooms of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the West Wing of the WhiteHouse, Winchester Mystery House, Hearst Castle and the like.

In typical embodiments, the one or more challenges is a plurality ofchallenges and thus there are a plurality of affordances. For instance,referring to FIG. 16, two affordances 1602-1 and 1602-2, areillustrated. Each of these affordances represents a different challenge.In some embodiments, the user can sweep down or up on the display to seemore affordances 1602 representing other challenges. In someembodiments, the user can sweep left or right on the display to see moreaffordances 1602 representing other challenges. Each challenge comprisesa scene image 52 of a respective scene and a different first pluralityof markers (not shown in FIG. 16). That is, each respective challengehas its own independent plurality of markers that may be the same ordifferent than the markers of other challenges. Referring to FIG. 4,which shows more detail of the scene image 52 for a particular challenge50, each marker 56 has a different designated set of coordinates withinthe respective scene image 52 and corresponds to a type 70 within aplurality of types. For instance, referring to FIG. 4, marker 56-1 is amulti-seating type, marker 56-2 is a small table type, marker 56-3 is athrow carpet type, marker 56-4 is a coffee table type, marker 56-5 is alarge plant type, marker 56-6 is a small cabinet type, and marker 56-7is a single seating type. Referring to block 506 of FIG. 5A, in someembodiments the scene for a challenge 50 is that of a single room in abuilding. In some embodiments, the scene for a challenge 50 is that of asingle room in a home (e.g., a bedroom, a living room, a dining room, akitchen, a bathroom, a library, a family room, a game room, a garage,etc.). Referring to block 508 of FIG. 5A, in some embodiments the scenefor a challenge 50 is of an outdoor location (e.g., a porch, a patio, aback yard, a pool area, a front yard, a side yard, etc.). In someembodiments, the scene for a challenge 50 is a compartment or room in aboat, plane, train, cave, subway, bus, van, trailer, recreationalvehicle, or tent.

Referring to block 510 of FIG. 5A and as illustrated in FIG. 4, eachrespective marker 56 in the plurality of markers for a challenge 50 isin the form of a closed form shape that is overlaid on the respectivescene image 52 at the corresponding different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene that are associated with themarker. In FIG. 4, this closed form shape is a circle or bubble. Inother words, each respective marker 56 is in the form of a circle orbubble and is positioned within the scene image 52 at the set ofcoordinates associated with the respective marker. For instance, in FIG.4, locations in the scene image 52 are addressable using Cartesian (x,y)coordinates off of the x- and y-axis. Thus, in such embodiments, eachmarker has a unique set of (x,y) coordinates within the scene image 52and it is at these (x,y) coordinates that the closed form shape for themarker 56 is placed. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, each respectivemarker 56 includes a generalized depiction of the type 70 of therespective marker. For instance, referring to FIG. 4, because marker56-1 is a multi-seating type, the generalized depiction of the type 70of the respective marker within the closed form shape for marker 56-1 isa sketch of couch. Because marker 56-2 is a small table type, thegeneralized depiction of the type 70 of the respective marker within theclosed form shape for marker 56-2 is a sketch of a small table. Becausemarker 56-3 is a throw carpet type, the generalized depiction of thetype 70 of the respective marker within the closed form shape for marker56-3 is a sketch of a throw carpet, and so forth.

There can be any number of different types of markers 56 within a sceneimage 52 for a challenge and block 512 of FIG. 5A provides anon-limiting list of some such types: single seat seating, multipleseats seating (e.g., couch, sectional seating, etc.), bed, entertainmentcenter, table, storage furniture, mirror, rug, lamp, wall décor, andhome accent.

Referring to block 514 of FIG. 5A and with reference to FIG. 4, in someembodiments the closed form shape used to represent each marker 56 in achallenge 50 is a colored circle. In other embodiments, the closed formshape used to represent each marker 56 in a challenge 50 is a square,oval shape, n-gon (wherein n is a positive integer of 3 or greater), orany other closed form shape.

Referring to block 516 of FIG. 5A and with reference to FIG. 16, in someembodiments the one or more challenges is a plurality of challenges andeach respective challenge 50 in the plurality of challenges available tothe user further comprises a countdown clock 362 showing an amount oftime remaining for the respective challenge to be completed by the firstuser within the application 44. For instance, the challenge 50-1associated with affordance 1602-1 must be completed within the nexteight hours whereas the challenge 50-2 associated with affordance 1602-2must be completed within the next four hours. With reference to block517 of FIG. 5A, FIG. 16 further illustrates how in some embodiments anamount of time remaining for one challenge to be completed by a userwithin an application is different than an amount of time remaining fora another challenge in the plurality of challenges available to the userto be completed by the user within the application 44. That is, eachchallenge is associated with an independent countdown clock forcompletion, and thus the amount of time available to complete challengesmay vary across the challenges. For instance, some challenge may need tobe completed within the next four hours, some within the next eighthours, some within the next twelve hours, and so forth. Referring toblock 518 of FIG. 5A, in one specific embodiment, the amount of timeavailable for one challenge 50 available to the user is one day and thechallenge 50 is free of constraints (e.g., on what vendors, styles, etc.may be used to complete the challenge), and the amount of time availableto complete another challenge 50 available to the user is two days.

In alternative embodiments, the countdown clock 362 for each respectivechallenge 50 in the plurality of challenges available to the user showsan amount of time remaining for the respective challenge to be acceptedor initiated by the user within the application 44, rather than theamount of time remaining for the respective challenge to be completed bythe user.

In some embodiments, application module 44 concurrently services livechallenges, daily challenges, challenges that are awaiting votingresults, and past challenges. Live challenges are challenges 50 that areavailable for the user to enter. For instance, referring to FIG. 16, insome embodiments the user simply taps the affordance 1602 to read moreabout the challenge (e.g., “A Flat Like No Other”), as illustrated inFIG. 17, and see the prizes that will be awarded for top scores, as alsoillustrated in FIG. 17. The user then chooses the “Enter” affordance1604 in FIG. 16 to begin. Each live challenge has a clock icon 362showing the amount of time that the challenge will remain open. Once achallenge closes and enters voting, it is no longer available for theuser to enter. Each challenge shows the cost (a first amount, in unitsof a first application counter such as keys) 356 needed to enter. Thiscost is deducted from the user balance when the user finishes designingthe scene image 52 associated with the challenge. In some embodiments,daily challenges 50 are only open for 24 hours. In some suchembodiments, each day, a different assortment of daily challenges 50 areoffered to the user in addition to the live challenges. In someembodiments, daily challenges are listed in purple and have no itemrequirements. In some embodiments, some of the challenges serviced byapplication module 44 are awaiting results. Such challenges once wereavailable to the user but are now closed and are presently being votedon by a community of users, as described in further detail below. Insome embodiments, a “thumbs up” icon shows the amount of time that achallenge will remain in voting until results are posted. In someembodiments, some of the challenges serviced by application module 44are past challenges. Past challenges are now closed and voting resultshave been posted. If a user entered one of these challenges, the resultsof the challenge will be shown alongside the scene image 52 of thechallenge. If a user did not enter one of these past challenges, thescene image 52 associated with the challenge 50 will be greyed out.Accordingly, referring to block 520 of FIG. 5B, in some embodiments theone or more challenges is a plurality of challenges and a first subsetof a plurality of challenges is available to a first user for userselection (e.g., daily challenges, live challenges). A second subset ofthe plurality of challenges is closed and no longer available to thefirst user for user selection, where each challenge in the second subsetof the plurality of challenges is presently being voted on by acommunity of users (e.g., awaiting results). A third subset of theplurality of challenges is closed and no longer available to the firstuser for user selection (e.g., past challenges). Each challenge in thethird subset of the plurality of challenges has been voted on by acommunity of users. In some embodiments, referring to block 522 of FIG.5B and FIG. 16 as a reference, the display 408 is a touch-sensitivesurface and the selection of a first affordance 1602 is detected by theapplication using a gesture recognizer responsive to a touch of thetouch-sensitive surface by the first user. In some such embodiments,referring to FIG. 16, the user can view the various challenges bysweeping up or down on the display. When the user would like to enter achallenge 50 in the first subset of challenges, they press the enter key1604 on the affordance 1602 associated with the challenge.

Referring to block 524 of FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, the application44 is run over a plurality of epics and each epic in the plurality ofepics consists of a different plurality of challenges. For instance, asdiscussed above, in some embodiments, each day there is a different setof daily challenges available to the user that day. The set of dailychallenges available to the user changes from day to day. In addition,as discussed above, in some embodiments there are also live challengesavailable to the user. In some embodiments, referring to block 526 ofFIG. 5B, the duration of time of each epic is other than daily. Forinstance, in some embodiments, rather than daily challenges, there is adifferent set of challenges available to the user each twelve-hourperiod, one-day period, two-day period, one-week period, two-week periodor monthly.

Referring to block 528 of FIG. 5B, the application module 44 is run overa plurality of epics. As discussed above, in typical embodiments eachepic is a 24-hour period although the present disclosure is not limitedto such a period. For instance, referring to block 530 of FIG. 5B, insome embodiments each epic is a different twelve-hour period,twenty-hour period, one day period, two day period, or one week period.The plurality of challenges available to a user is constrained to afirst epic in the plurality of epics. That is, once a first epic isover, at least some of the challenges in the first epic are no longeravailable to a user. With respect to the series challenge discussedearlier, in some embodiments the set of challenges in the serieschallenge runs over a plurality of epics. For instance, in the “Tour theTropics” example series challenge described earlier, the first challenge“A Taste of Fiji” in the series challenge has a first epic of (e.g., isavailable to the user for) a sixteen hours. Once the sixteen-hour periodis over, the first challenge is no longer available, and the applicationdisplays the second challenge “Sunset in Sri Lanka” in the serieschallenge for another sixteen hours. Moreover, the user is allocated anallowance in units of a first application counter during each epic inthe plurality of epics. The user is also allocated an allowance in unitsof a third application counter during each epic in the plurality ofepics. In some embodiments, the application module 44 supports threesuch application counters. Referring to FIG. 11 as a reference, in someembodiments these application counters have the following attributes:

KEYS (first application counter 60) Needed by user to submit Awarded forvoting on other players' a complete challenge to completed challengeentries. The user community voting. is provided with an allowance ofkeys each epic (e.g., 20 keys per day) up to a maximum amount of earnedkeys. VIRTUAL CASH (second application counter 64) Used to purchase someAwarded for entering a completed virtual furnishing units challenge. 74in challenges 50. DIAMONDS (third application counter 66) Used topurchase virtual Awarded based on voting score for cash or keys. Used topurchase completed challenge. The user is some virtual furnishingprovided with an allowance of units 74 in challenges 50. diamonds eachepic (e.g., 500 diamonds per day). Additional diamonds can be earned bywatching videos. Additional diamonds can be purchased.

Accordingly, in some embodiments an amount in units of the thirdapplication counter 66 is exchangeable by a user within the application44 for a corresponding amount in units of the first application counter60 (e.g., the user can use diamonds to buy keys). Further, an amount inunits of the third application counter 66 is exchangeable by the firstuser within the application 44 for a corresponding amount in units ofthe second application counter 64 (e.g., the user can use diamonds tobuy virtual cash). In some embodiments, amounts of the first applicationcounter 60 are not exchangeable by the user within the application 44for amounts within the third application counter 66 (e.g., the usercannot use keys to buy diamonds). In some embodiments, amounts withinthe second application counter 64 are not exchangeable by the userwithin the application 44 for amounts within the third applicationcounter 66 (e.g., the user cannot use virtual cash to buy diamonds).

Referring to block 531 of FIG. 5C, responsive to selection of a firstaffordance 345 in the first plurality of affordances 1602 (FIG. 16), thescene image 52 of the respective scene and the first plurality ofmarkers of a first challenge 50 in the first plurality of challengesthat corresponds to the first affordance 1602 is displayed. Forinstance, referring to FIG. 6, seven markers 56 and the scene image 52of a challenge 50 are displayed. Referring to block 532 of FIG. 5C, insome embodiments the plurality of markers of the challenge comprisesfive markers, eight markers, or more.

Referring to block 533 of FIG. 5C and continuing to refer to FIG. 6, afirst subset of the displayed markers 56 must be populated with avirtual furnishing unit 74 in order to satisfy the completion criterionof the first challenge. A second subset of the markers do not need to bepopulated with a virtual furnishing unit 74 in order to satisfy thecompletion criterion of the challenge 50. Accordingly, in someembodiments, each respective marker in the first subset of markers (therequired markers) is in the form of a first closed form shape that isoverlaid on the respective scene at its corresponding differentdesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene. Eachrespective marker in the second subset of markers (the optional markers)is in the form of a second closed form shape that is overlaid on therespective scene at the corresponding different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene. Referring to block 534 of FIG.5C, in some such embodiments, the first closed form shape is a balloonof a first color (e.g., blue), and the second closed form shape is aballoon of a second color that is other than the first color (e.g.,purple). Referring to FIG. 6, in some such embodiments, the first closedform shape is an unmarked (not hashed) balloon, and the second closedform shape is a hashed balloon. Accordingly, in FIG. 6, markers 56-1,56-2, 56-3, 56-4, and 5-7 are required to be populated with virtualfurnishing units 74 in order to complete the challenge whereas markers56-5 and 56-6 are not required to be populated with virtual furnishingunits 74 in order to complete the challenge.

Referring to block 535 of FIG. 5C, and with reference to FIG. 6,successive user selection of the toggle affordance 601 causes themarkers 56 of the selected challenge to toggle between (i) a first statein which the markers are displayed in the respective scene image 52 (asillustrated in FIG. 6) and (ii) a second state in which the firstplurality of markers of the first challenge are not displayed in therespective scene (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 6, in typical embodiments, the purpose of thechallenge is to decorate a room using 3D representations of real-worlddecor items (virtual furnishing units 74). In some embodiments, theavailable virtual furnishing units 74 are provided at the bottom of thescreen as illustrated in FIG. 6 and as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to block 536 of FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, the challenge 50has one or more constraints 360 on the virtual furnishing units 74 thatcan be used (e.g., some challenges have requirements and/or restrictionsthat must be followed). Referring to block 537 of FIG. 5C, in some suchembodiments, each of the one or more constraints 360 is displayed withinthe application 44. Upon user selection of a first constraint in the oneor more constraints, there is highlighted within the scene image 52 ofthe respective scene the first marker that is associated with the firstconstraint. Furthermore, a plurality of virtual furnishing units 74corresponding to the first marker 56 that satisfy the first constraintare displayed.

Referring to block 538 of FIG. 5C, in some such embodiments, eachvirtual furnishing unit 74 corresponds to a furnishing unit from avendor in a plurality of vendors and a constraint in the one or moreconstraints is a requirement that at least one virtual furnishing unitused in the first challenge 50 correspond to a furnishing unit from afirst predetermined vendor in the plurality of vendors. For instance, insome embodiments, a vendor is a business organization that is in thebusiness of making furniture or décor items. For instance, in otherembodiments, a vendor is a business organization that is in the businessof selling furniture or décor items.

Referring to block 540 of FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, each virtualfurnishing unit 74 corresponds to a furnishing unit (e.g., chair, coach,table, dresser, desk, lamp, décor item, etc.) from a vendor in aplurality of vendors and a constraint in one or more constraints for aparticular challenge 50 is a requirement that at least two virtualfurnishing units used in the first challenge correspond to a furnishingunit from a first predetermined vendor in a plurality of vendors.

Referring to block 542 of FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, each virtualfurnishing unit 74 is associated with a décor type (e.g., apredetermined color, a predetermined style, or a requirement that avirtual furnishing unit 74 in the plurality of virtual furnishing unitsavailable to the user corresponds to a furnishing unit of apredetermined brand) and a constraint in the one or more constraints fora particular challenge 50 is a requirement that at least one virtualfurnishing unit 74 used in the particular challenge be of a first décortype in the plurality of décor types.

Referring to block 544 of FIG. 5D and FIG. 6 for reference, for eachsequential user selection of a respective marker 56 in the plurality ofmarkers of a challenge 50 corresponding to the first affordance 1602(FIG. 16) in a first plurality of user selections (of such markers), theapplication module 44 performs a first procedure. In this firstprocedure, and referring to block 546 of FIG. 5D and FIG. 19 forreference, a plurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding to therespective marker 56 is displayed. For instance, in FIG. 19, the virtualfurnishing units corresponding to the respective marker 56-4, tablelamps, is displayed. The plurality of virtual furnishing units comprises(i) one or more first virtual furnishing units retained (e.g., owned1902) by the user completing the challenge (e.g., first user) that matchthe type 70 of the respective marker (e.g., table lamp) and (ii) one ormore second virtual furnishing units not retained (e.g., shop 1904) bythe user completing the challenge that match the type 70 of therespective marker (e.g., table lamp). In such embodiments the displayingfurther comprises removing from display any virtual furnishing unitsthat do not qualify for populating the selected respective marker. Forinstance, if the user had previously selected a different marker, suchas marker 56-10 in FIG. 19, the virtual furnishing units correspondingto the previously selected marker (e.g., couches) would be removed fromthe display when marker 56-12 is selected.

Thus, to summarize, and referring to FIG. 19, a user (e.g., player)chooses a design challenge 50 to enter. Once this is done, a scene image52 of an empty room (or other scenery such as an outdoor location)appears, ready for decorating. Bubbles, or other closed form shapes showpositions where decor items may be placed (markers 56). Some markers aremandatory for challenge completion (e.g., in FIG. 19, markers 56-2through 56-10, and markers 56-12 and 56-13), while other markers areoptional (e.g., in FIG. 19, markers 56-11 and 56-1). A user chooses amarker 56 (e.g., chooses a bubble). Once the user chooses a marker,e.g., marker 56-4 in FIG. 19, available virtual furnishing units 74(e.g., items modeled from real-world decor) available for user topurchase for use in the challenge 50 (e.g., using one of the applicationcounters) are presented to the user (e.g., Shop section 1904 in FIG.19). The user's inventory that matches the type of the selected markeralso appears (e.g., owned section 1902 in FIG. 19). The player chooses adecor item (e.g., the player chooses a displayed virtual furnishingunits 74). If the chosen virtual furnishing unit is not yet in theuser's inventory (e.g., the user selected the unit from the shop section1904, such as the table lamp 74-3, it may be purchased using thespecified amount of the second application counter 64 (FIG. 11) (e.g.,virtual cash) or third application counter 66 (FIG. 11) (e.g.,diamonds). In some embodiments, purchased virtual furnishing units areusable for a limited number of challenges (e.g., 5 different challengesin some embodiments). The chosen virtual furnishing unit is then placedin the scene image 52 at the position of the corresponding marker 56.For instance, in FIG. 19, if the user selects virtual furnishing unit74-1 for marker 56-4, a three-dimensional graphic 354 of the virtualfurnishing unit 74-1 is positioned in the scene image 52 at thecoordinates of marker 56-4 and the closed form shape of the marker 56-4is no longer displayed.

Referring to block 548 of FIG. 5D, in some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises providing the user with an affordance that allows thefirst user to invite one or more friends (not shown). For example, theaffordance allows the first user to link the application with one ormore social media accounts of the first user, and to invite one or morefriends through the first user's social media accounts. The applicationidentifies, from the first user's social media accounts, a list offriends who are current users of the application, and sends invitationsto the one or more friends to join in the first user's challenge andprovide virtual furnishing units for loan to the first user. One of thebenefits of this is that, referring to block 550 of FIG. 5D and FIG. 19,in such embodiments, the plurality of virtual furnishing units 74 thatis displayed responsive to selection of a marker 56 in the scene image52 further comprises one or more third virtual furnishing units that arenot retained by the first user but are retained by a friend in the oneor more friends. The one or more third virtual furnishing units matchthe type of the respective marker. Advantageously, the user can use anyof the virtual furnishing units in the one or more third virtualfurnishing units without being charged in units of the second counter(e.g., virtual cash) or the third counter (e.g., diamonds).

As discussed above, in some embodiments, when a user selects aparticular marker 56 in the scene image 52 of a challenge, all virtualfurnishing units that match the type 70 of the selected marker aredisplayed (termed “the first plurality of virtual furnishing units”) asillustrated in FIG. 19 for a table lamp. Referring to block 552 of FIG.5D, in some embodiments, the application module 44 further provides afilter against the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to the respective marker within the first procedurethereby limiting a number of virtual furnishing units in the firstplurality of the virtual furnishing units that are displayed upon userselection of the filter. For instance, referring to FIG. 6, the user canuse the filter 604 to further limit the display of the virtualfurnishing units 74 that matches a selected marker 56.

Referring to block 553 of FIG. 5E, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in someembodiments the filter 604 comprises any combination of a limitation onbrand 2002 of the virtual furnishing unit 74, a limitation on color 2004of the virtual furnishing unit, a limitation on material 2006represented by the virtual furnishing unit, a limitation on pattern 2008used by the virtual furnishing unit, or a limitation on the style 2010of the virtual unit. In such embodiments, the user of the applicationmodule 44 can use the filter 604 to limit the displayed virtualfurnishing units 74 by any combination of designated brand correspondingto the virtual furnishing units, virtual furnishing unit color, materialused to make the real world item corresponding to the virtual furnishingunit, pattern used by the virtual furnishing unit, or style of thevirtual furnishing units. FIG. 21 illustrates the display of the virtualfurnishing unit corresponding to “Table Art” by the application 44 inresponse to utilization of the brand filter 2002 and the selection ofthe designated brand “Blink Home.”

Referring to block 556 of FIG. 5E and FIG. 20, in some embodiments thefilter 604 comprises a limitation on the color of the virtual furnishingunit 74. In some such embodiments, the limitation on color is anycombination of beige, black, blue, brown, clear, copper, dark grey,gold, green, grey, light grey, lime, metallic, mint, mirror, multi,navy, off white, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, tan, turquoise,white, and yellow. Thus, in such embodiments, the user of theapplication module 44 can use the filter 604 to limit the displayedvirtual furnishing units 74 by any combination of colors (e.g., anycombination of beige, black, blue, brown, clear, copper, dark grey,gold, green, grey, light grey, lime, metallic, mint, mirror, multi,navy, off white, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, tan, turquoise,white, and yellow).

Referring to block 558 of FIG. 5E and FIG. 20, in some embodiments thefilter 604 comprises a limitation on the material represented by thevirtual furnishing unit 74. In some such embodiments the limitation onmaterial is any combination of acrylic, bone, burl, ceramic, concrete,cork, fabric, fiberglass, furry, glass, hide, lacquer, leather, marble,metal, natural, poly, rattan, shell, silk, skin, stone, velvet, wire,wood, and wool. Thus, in such embodiments, the user of the applicationmodule 44 can use the filter 604 to limit the displayed virtualfurnishing units 74 by any combination of material (e.g., acrylic, bone,burl, ceramic, concrete, cork, fabric, fiberglass, furry, glass, hide,lacquer, leather, marble, metal, natural, poly, rattan, shell, silk,skin, stone, velvet, wire, wood, wool, etc.).

Referring to block 560 of FIG. 5E and FIG. 20, in some embodiments thefilter 604 comprises a limitation on the pattern used by the virtualfurnishing unit 74. In some such embodiments, the limitation on patternis any combination of animal print antique, Chevron, Chinoiserie,Damask, distressed, floral, geometric, houndstooth, ikat, motif,nailhead, patchwork, plaid, quatrefoil, striped, toile, tufted, wash,and weathered. Thus, in such embodiments, the user of the applicationmodule 44 can use the filter 604 to limit the displayed virtualfurnishing units 74 to any particular pattern or combination of patterns(e.g., animal print antique, Chevron, Chinoiserie, Damask, distressed,floral, geometric, houndstooth, ikat, motif, nailhead, patchwork, plaid,quatrefoil, striped, toile, tufted, wash, weathered, etc.).

Referring to block 562 of FIG. 5E, in some embodiments the filter 604comprises a limitation on the style of the virtual unit 74. In some suchembodiments, the style limitation is any combination of coastal,contemporary, French, global, industrial, kids, luxury, modern, outdoor,renaissance, rustic, and traditional. Thus, in such embodiments, theuser of the application module 44 can use the filter 604 to limit thedisplayed virtual furnishing units 74 to any style, or any combinationof styles (e.g., coastal, contemporary, French, global, industrial,kids, luxury, modern, outdoor, renaissance, rustic, traditional, etc.)

Referring to block 563 of FIG. 5E, in some embodiments, each virtualfurnishing unit 74 is associated with a décor type (e.g., apredetermined color, a predetermined style, or a requirement that avirtual furnishing unit 74 in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits corresponds to a furnishing unit 74 of a predetermined brand).Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more constraints 360 is associatedwith the challenge 50. In some such embodiments, the requirement is thatat least one virtual furnishing unit 74 used in the first challenge beof a first décor type in the plurality of décor types. As an example, inone example challenge 50, there is a constraint 360 that at least one ofthe selected virtual furnishing units 74 be blue. Thus, in order tosuccessfully complete the challenge, one of the selected virtualfurnishing units 74 for one of the markers 56 of the challenge must beblue. As another example, in one example challenge 50, there is aconstraint 360 that at least two of the selected virtual furnishingunits 74 be from a particular manufacturer. Thus, in order tosuccessfully complete the challenge, two of the selected virtualfurnishing units 74 for markers 56 of the challenge must be from thisparticular manufacturer.

Referring to block 564 of FIG. 5F, the first procedure of block 544(FIG. 5D) continues with a user selection of a selected virtualfurnishing unit 74 in the plurality of virtual furnishing units that aredisplayed. In some such embodiments, referring to block 566 of FIG. 5Fand referring to FIG. 11, user has a first balance of a firstapplication counter 60 (e.g., keys), a second balance of a secondapplication counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), and a third balance of athird application counter 66 (e.g., diamonds). Each virtual furnishingunit 74 in the one or more second virtual furnishing units not retainedby the first user is associated with a cost in units of the secondapplication counter or the third application counter. For instance,referring to FIG. 18, the virtual furnishing unit 74-11 has a cost of$205 in units of the second application counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash).In such embodiments, the receiving of the user selection of the selectedvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits in the first procedure comprises debiting the cost in units of thesecond application counter or the third application counter against therespective second or third balance when the selected virtual furnishingunit is not already owned by the first user. When the user has aninsufficient respective second or third balance to pay for the selectedvirtual furnishing unit, the user is notified that the application isunable to display the three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtualfurnishing unit within the respective scene. For instance, in the caseof unit 74-11 in FIG. 18, the user cannot display this virtualfurnishing unit 74-11 if the second application counter 64 associatedwith the user is less than $205. In typical embodiments, and referringto block 568 of FIG. 568, even in instances where a user of theapplication module 44 owns (retains) a particular virtual furnishingunit 74, the user is limited to using the virtual furnishing unit 74retained by the user in a predetermined number 1910 of challenges (FIG.19) before the virtual furnishing unit 74 is no longer retained (owned)by the user. For instance, referring to FIG. 19, a user can use aparticular virtual furnishing unit 74-2 retained by the user for fivechallenges 1910-2 before the user no longer owns the furnishing unit74-2. At this point, if the user would like to use the particularvirtual furnishing unit 74 in another (sixth) challenge, the user willhave to pay a price in the specified units of the second counter orthird counter) to again use the virtual furnishing unit. Alternatively,the user can borrow the virtual furnishing unit from a friend who ownsthe unit, e.g., by selecting the borrow affordance 1912 as shown in FIG.19. In some embodiments, the user can use a retained virtual furnishingunit 74 in three challenges 50 before the user no longer owns thevirtual furnishing unit 74. In some embodiments, the user can use aretained virtual furnishing unit 74 in four challenges 50 before theuser no longer owns the virtual furnishing unit 74. In some embodiments,the user can use a retained virtual furnishing unit 74 in six challenges50 before the user no longer owns the virtual furnishing unit 74. Insome embodiments, the user can use a retained virtual furnishing unit 74in seven challenges 50 before the user no longer owns the virtualfurnishing unit 74. In some embodiments, the user can use a retainedvirtual furnishing unit 74 in eight challenges 50 before the user nolonger owns the virtual furnishing unit 74.

Referring to block 570 of FIG. 5F, in a related embodiment, the user ofthe application module 44 has a first balance of the first applicationcounter 60 (e.g., keys), a second balance of the second applicationcounter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), and a third balance of the thirdapplication counter 66 (e.g., diamonds). Each virtual furnishing unit 74in the one or more second virtual furnishing units not retained by theuser (e.g., the virtual furnishing units in section 1904 of FIG. 19) isassociated with a cost in units of the second application counter or thethird application counter. In this embodiment, the receiving of the userselection of the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 in the plurality ofvirtual furnishing units in the first procedure comprises displaying aprice tag on the three-dimensional graphic 354 of the selected virtualfurnishing unit 74 when the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 is inthe one or more second virtual furnishing units (e.g., in the section1904 of FIG. 19, which contains furnishing units 74 not owned by theuser). This is illustrated in FIG. 19, where a price tag 1906 isdisplayed with the three-dimensional graphic 354-1 for a selectedvirtual furnishing item 74 not retained by the user that the user hasnot yet paid for. When the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 issubsequently purchased by the first user, the first procedure furthercomprises (i) debiting the cost in units of the second applicationcounter or the third application counter against the respective secondor third balance and (ii) removing the displayed price tag 1906 from thethree-dimensional graphic 354-1. Tags remain on items that the user hasnot purchased (retained) yet. In some embodiments, the user can haveonly one unpurchased (not retained) item in their challenge 50 whiledesigning the challenge. In some embodiments, the user can have up totwo unpurchased (not retained) furnishing units in their challenge 50while completing the challenge. In some embodiments, the user can haveup to three, up to four, up to five, or up to six unpurchased furnishingunits in their challenge 50 while completing the challenge. As noted inthe related embodiment above, the first user is barred from purchasingthe selected virtual furnishing unit 74 when the first user has aninsufficient respective second or third balance to pay for the selectedvirtual furnishing unit 74.

Referring to block 572 of FIG. 5G, the first procedure of block 544(FIG. 5D) continues with the display of a three-dimensional graphic 354of the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 at the different designatedset of coordinates within the respective scene, thereby populating therespective scene with a first plurality of three-dimensional graphicseach respective three-dimensional graphic in the first plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics at the corresponding designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene specified by the differentdesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene of thecorresponding marker. For instance, the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7illustrates how the marker 56-2 in FIG. 6 is replaced with athree-dimensional graphic 354-1 (FIG. 7) of the selected virtualfurnishing unit 74-1 for the marker 56-2 at the different designated setof coordinates within the respective scene of the marker 56-2. Thetransition from FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 illustrates how the markers 56-8, 56-1,56-5, 56-6, 56-7, 56-3, and 56-4 are respectively replaced with thethree-dimensional graphics 354-2 (56-8→354-2, lamp), 354-3 (56-1→354-3,couch), 354-7 (56-5→354-7, large plant), 354-4 (56-6→354-4, cabinet),354-5 (56-7→354-5, chair), 354-6 (56-3→354-6, rug), and 354-8(56-4→354-8, coffee table) of the selected virtual furnishing units 74for these markers at the different designated set of coordinates withinthe scene image 52 for these respective markers.

Referring to block 574 of FIG. 5G, the application module 44 enables theuser of the application 44 to submit the respective scene with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics when a first completioncriterion associated with the first challenge has been satisfied. Insome such embodiments, the first completion criterion specifies (i)which corresponding designated sets of coordinates within the respectivescene must be populated and (ii) a first amount, in units of the firstapplication counter 60, required to submit the respective scene. Toillustrate, FIG. 8 represents a challenge in which the designated setsof coordinates corresponding to markers 56 that must be populated withinthe scene image 52 of the challenge 50 have been populated withthree-dimensional graphics 354 of selected virtual furnishing units 74.Accordingly, the user may now select affordance 802 to submit adescription of the virtual furnishing units 74 that user has selectedfor the challenge 50. In some embodiments, when the user has completedthe challenge 50 and selects the affordance 802, the panel 902illustrated in FIG. 9 is illustrated, enabling the user to submit thedesign. When the user submits the design (e.g., using panel 902) theuser is charged a first amount, in units of the first applicationcounter 60 (e.g., a number of keys associated with submitting a designfor the challenge). Upon submitting the design, the application module44 provides confirmation of the submission as illustrated in FIG. 10.

As noted above, the user may not select virtual furnishing units 74 thatthe user does not retain when the user has insufficient credit in termsof the applicable second or third application counter. Moreover, theuser cannot submit a design for a challenge 50 when the user does nothave sufficient credit in terms of the first application counter 60.Accordingly, in some embodiments as illustrated in block 576 of FIG. 5G,the application module 44, in response to receiving a request topurchase application credit from the user (e.g., when the user clicks ontheir account balance 1202 in FIG. 12), provides the user with an optionto purchase an amount in units of the third application counter 66 (e.g.diamonds). In such embodiments, the first user provides a governmentbacked tender (e.g., U.S. currency) in exchange for the amount in unitsof the third application counter 66 (e.g., diamonds). Moreover, in suchembodiments an amount in units of the third application counter 66(e.g., diamonds) is exchangeable by the user within the application 44for a corresponding amount in units of the first application counter 60(e.g., keys). Moreover, an amount in units of the third applicationcounter 66 (e.g., diamonds) is exchangeable by the user within theapplication 44 for a corresponding amount in units of the secondapplication counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash). In some such embodiments,the first application counter 60 (e.g., keys) is not exchangeable by theuser within the application 44 for the third application counter (e.g.,diamonds). Also, the second application counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash)is not exchangeable by the user within the application 44 for the thirdapplication counter (e.g., diamonds).

Referring to 578 of FIG. 5G, in some embodiments, a design value 70 isuniquely associated with a user of the application module 44. In somesuch embodiments the design value 70 is the total value of all thechallenges 50 (rooms) the user has successfully completed and submittedfor community vote. Each time a user submits such a completed challenge50, the user's design value 70 increases by the total value of thevirtual furnishing units 74 the user used in the submitted challenge. Assuch, in some embodiments, the design value 70 is determined, in part,by a value of each virtual furnishing unit in the respective scenesubmitted by the user in a challenge.

Block 580 of FIG. 5G highlights that some embodiments of the applicationmodule 44 support an undo function. FIG. 19 illustrates this feature. InFIG. 19, the undo affordance 1908 can be used to undo the last useraction. For instance, if the last user action was to place thethree-dimensional graphic 354-1 of a corresponding selected virtualfurnishing unit 74, selection of the affordance 1908 undoes thisselection, thereby removing the three-dimensional graphic 354-1 from thescene image 52. If the last action was to select a challenge 50,selection of the undo affordance removes the user from the challenge.Accordingly, in an embodiment in accordance with block 580, in someembodiments, prior to submission of a respective scene image 52 for achallenge 50 with a first plurality of three-dimensional graphics 354(corresponding to selected virtual furnishing units 74 for the challenge50) when the first completion criterion associated with the firstchallenge has been satisfied, a deletion selection of a firstthree-dimensional graphic in the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics displayed in the respective scene is received (e.g. the userselects the undo affordance 1908 of FIG. 19). Responsive to the deletionselection of the first three-dimensional graphic 354, the firstthree-dimensional graphic 354 is removed from the first plurality ofdisplayed three-dimensional graphics 354 in the scene image 52 of thechallenge 50.

Block 582 of Figure of FIG. 5H highlights that some embodiments of theapplication module 44 supports a change selection function. This featureis explained using FIG. 8 as a reference. In FIG. 8, the user hasrecently placed a three-dimensional graphic 354-4 of an accent cabinetin the scene image 52 corresponding to a first virtual furnishing unit74-2 among a plurality of virtual furnishing unit 74 that are all of theaccent cabinet type 352 (units 74-1 through 74-6). However, the user isnot satisfied with this selection. To replace the displayedthree-dimensional graphic 354-4 of the accent cabinet in the scene image52 corresponding to the first virtual furnishing unit 74 with adifferent one, all the user has to do in some embodiments is click on(select) a different displayed virtual furnishing unit 74. In response,the original image 354-4 is replaced in the scene image 52 with thethree-dimensional graphic 354 of the newly selected virtual furnishingunit 74. Accordingly, in some embodiments in accordance with block 582,prior to submission of the respective scene image 52 with the firstplurality of graphics 354 (corresponding to the virtual furnishing units74 that the user has selected for the markers 56 in the challenge 50), achange selection is received for a first three-dimensional graphic inthe first plurality of three-dimensional graphics displayed in therespective scene. Responsive to the change selection of the firstthree-dimensional graphic, the first three-dimensional graphic isremoved from the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics. Aplurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding to a first markerassociated with the first three-dimensional graphic is provided (or wasalready being displayed) that comprises (i) one or more first virtualfurnishing units retained by the first user that match the type of thefirst marker and (ii) one or more second virtual furnishing units notretained by the first user that match the type of the first marker. Auser selection of a selected virtual furnishing unit 74 in the pluralityof virtual furnishing units is received. Finally, a three-dimensionalgraphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 is displayed at thedifferent designated set of coordinates within the respective scenecorresponding to the first marker. In some such embodiments, the changeselection is detected when the user taps on a different one of thedisplayed virtual furnishing units as described above with reference toFIG. 8.

Referring to block 584 of FIG. 5H, responsive to submitting therespective scene with the first plurality of graphics (i) the userselection of virtual furnishing units 74 for the first challenge iscommunicated to a remote server and (ii) the first user is provided witha second amount in units of the second application counter 64. Forinstance, reference to FIG. 17, when the user completes the challengeillustrated in FIG. 17, the user earns an award 358 of $2,500 in unitsof the second application counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash). In someembodiments, what is communicated to the remote server (e.g.,application server 106), is an identification of the virtual furnishingitem 74 selected for each populated marker 56 in the plurality ofmarkers associated with the challenge 50. That is, the scene image 52complete with the three-dimensional graphics 342 of the virtualfurnishing units that the user selected for the challenge are typicallynot communicated to the server. This advantageously reduces thebandwidth requirements of the application 44 on the network 104.However, in some embodiments, a user can E-mail the scene image 52complete with the three-dimensional graphics 342 of the virtualfurnishing units that the user selected for the challenge 50 to a friendby E-mail directly from the application module 44. Referring to block586, in some embodiments, the second amount of the second applicationcounter 64 that is awarded to the first user upon completion of achallenge is dependent upon a level of difficulty of the firstchallenge. For instance, in some embodiments, more difficult challengesare granted larger amounts in units of the second application counter 64(e.g., virtual cash) and easier challenges are granted smaller amountsin units of the second application counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash).

Referring to block 588 of FIG. 5H, eventually there is received from theremote server (e.g., application server 106) a first community vote onthe user selection of virtual furnishing units 74 for the challenge 50submitted by the first user. Referring to block 592 and FIG. 14, in somesuch embodiments, the first community vote on the user selection ofvirtual furnishing units 74 for the first challenge 50 (the submittedrespective scene) is from a plurality of users that each make 1:1comparisons of (i) the user selection of virtual furnishing units forthe first challenge by the first user (the submitted respective scene bythe first user) and (ii) the user selection of virtual furnishing units74 for the first challenge 50 from a user other than the first user (asecond scene for the first challenge from a user other than the firstuser). Referring to block 594 of FIG. 5H, each user that contributes tothe first community vote receives credit toward an allocation in unitsof the first application counter 60 (e.g., keys).

Referring to block 596 of FIG. 5I, the first user is notified of thefirst community vote on the user selection of virtual furnishing unitsfor the first challenge. In some embodiments, this notification is inthe form of a message in a mailbox hosted by the application module 44.

In some embodiments, each vote by a user counts as a single vote in thecommunity voting. Accordingly, if 100 users vote for the submitted sceneof a first user, and 50 users vote for the submitted scene of a seconduser, in a given challenge, the first user will have a first communityvote of 100 and the second user will have a community vote of 50 for thegiven challenge, in typical embodiments.

Referring to block 598 of FIG. 5I, the method further comprises awardingthe first user a prize when the first community vote on the userselection of virtual furnishing units for the first challenge by thefirst user (submitted respective scene as submitted by the first user)exceeds a threshold value. For instance, referring to block 600, in someembodiments the first community vote on the user selection of virtualfurnishing units for the first challenge by the user exceeds thethreshold value when the first community vote is larger than a votereceived by any other user that participated in the challenge. Referringto block 602 of FIG. 5I, in some embodiments, the prize is an amount ofthe third application counter 66 (e.g., diamonds) or a virtualfurnishing unit 74. In the case where the prize is a virtual furnishingunit 74, the user retains the virtual furnishing unit 74 and is thusable to use the virtual furnishing unit 74 in a predetermined number ofchallenges (e.g., 5 challenges) before the user no longer retains thevirtual furnishing unit 74.

Referring to block 603 of FIG. 5I, in some embodiments a star score 68is uniquely associated with a user. The star score 68 is determined, inpart, by the first community vote on the user selection of virtualfurnishing units 74 for a challenge 50 completed and submitted by theuser. The method further comprises displaying the star score 68 withinthe application on the display. For instance, FIGS. 12 and 19 illustratethe star score 68 for the user at the top of the display. In someembodiments the star score 68 of a user increases and decreases based onthe votes for their completed designs for challenges 50 received fromthe community of users.

In typical embodiments, user completion and submission of challenges 50requires a certain amount in units of the first application counter 60(e.g., keys). More advanced challenges generally require more keys toenter, but have greater rewards. To earn more keys, a user can vote onchallenge entries. In some embodiments, each set of five votes earns theuser more keys. Accordingly, with reference to block 606, in someembodiments, a voting request is received from first user. For instance,referring to FIG. 12, the user may select the vote affordance 1204.Responsive to this, a panel such as that disclosed in FIG. 13 whichshows the next challenge available for voting is displayed in someembodiments. The user can participate in voting in this displayedchallenge by selecting the vote affordance 1304. When this is done theuser can then vote on the challenge 50. In some embodiments, referringto FIG. 14, such voting comprises concurrently displaying on the display(i) a first scene image 52-1 comprising a candidate scene populated witha first set of three-dimensional graphics 354 at correspondingdesignated sets of coordinates within the candidate scene that has beensubmitted by a second user in a plurality of users other than the firstuser, and (ii) a second scene image 52-2 comprising the candidate scenepopulated with a second set of three-dimensional graphics 354 atcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the candidate scenethat has been submitted by a third user in the plurality of users otherthan the first user and the second user. The user makes a selectionbetween 52-1 and 52-2. Accordingly, a selection is received by theapplication module 44 from the first user of the first scene image 52-1or the second scene image 52-2 thereby receiving from the first user avote for the second user or the third user. In some embodiments, theuser selects between the first scene image 52-1 and the second sceneimage 52-2 by tapping on the image that the user prefers. Responsive tothe vote for the second user or the third user by the first user, thefirst user is provided with credit towards an amount in units of thefirst application counter 60 (e.g., keys). For instance, in someembodiments the user receives a predetermine amount in units of thefirst application counter 60 when the user has participated in a certainnumber of votes (e.g., 5 votes or some other designated number).

Referring to block 608 of FIG. 5I, the application is run over aplurality of epics (e.g., each epic in the plurality of epics is atwelve-hour period, one day, two days, or a week) and the one or morechallenges is a first plurality of challenges. A subset of the firstplurality of challenges is constrained to a first epic 364-1 in theplurality of epics. During a second epic 364-2 in the plurality of epicsthe user of the application module 44 is provided with a secondplurality of affordances, each affordance in the second plurality ofaffordances corresponding to a different respective challenge in asecond plurality of challenges. One or more challenges 50 in the secondplurality of challenges is not found in the first plurality ofchallenges. As in the first epic, each challenge 50 in the secondplurality of challenges comprises: (i) a scene image 52 of a respectivescene and (ii) a different second plurality of markers, each marker 56having different designated set of coordinates within the respectivescene and corresponding to a type 70 within a plurality of types. Thatis, each challenge in the second plurality of challenges comprises itsown independent plurality of markers that may be the same or differentthan the markers in other challenges in the second plurality ofchallenges. Responsive to selection of a first affordance in the secondplurality of affordances, the scene image 52 of the respective scene andthe second plurality of markers of a first challenge 50 in the secondplurality of challenges is displayed. For each sequential user selectionof a respective marker 56 in the second plurality of markers of thechallenge 50 corresponding to the first affordance in a first pluralityof user selections, a second procedure is performed. The secondprocedure comprises displaying a second plurality of virtual furnishingunits 74 corresponding to the respective marker 56 comprising (i) one ormore first virtual furnishing units 74 retained by (e.g., owned) theuser that match the type 70 of the respective marker and (ii) one ormore second virtual furnishing units 74 not retained (e.g., not owned)by the user that match the type 70 of the respective marker. Thisdisplaying further comprises removing from display any virtualfurnishing units 74 that do not qualify for populating the respectivemarker. A user selection of a selected virtual furnishing unit 74 in thesecond plurality of virtual furnishing units is received. Athree-dimensional graphic 354 of the selected virtual furnishing unit 74is displayed at the different designated set of coordinates within therespective scene, thereby populating the respective scene with a secondplurality of three-dimensional graphics each respectivethree-dimensional graphic in the second plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics at a corresponding designated set of coordinates within therespective scene specified by the different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene of the corresponding marker 56.The second procedure enables the first user to submit the respectivescene with the second plurality of three-dimensional graphics when asecond completion criterion associated with the second challenge hasbeen satisfied.

The second completion criterion specifies (i) which correspondingdesignated sets of coordinates within the respective scene must bepopulated and (ii) a second amount, in units of the first applicationcounter 60 (e.g., keys), required to submit the respective scene.Responsive to submitting the respective scene with the second pluralityof graphics (i) the user selection of virtual furnishing units 74 forthe second challenge (the respective scene with the second plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics) is communicated to the remote server (e.g.,application server 106) and (ii) the first user is provided with a thirdamount in units of the second application counter 64 (e.g., virtualdollars). There is received from the remote server (e.g., applicationserver 106) a second community vote on the user selection of virtualfurnishing units for the second challenge by the first user (thesubmitted respective scene with the second plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics for the second challenge). The first user isnotified of the second community vote on the user selection of virtualfurnishing units for the second challenge.

Fourth Application Counter

In some implementations, the various methods and systems for competitivescene completion disclosed herein also provide tools that enable usersto learn about furnishing styles. To this effect, FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2300 for competitive scene completion in anapplication, in accordance with some implementations of the presentdisclosure. As noted in block 2302 of FIG. 23, the method 2300 isperformed at a client device 102 comprising a display 408, one or moreprocessors 402 and memory 407, in an application 44 running on theclient device associated with a first user.

Referring to block 2304 of FIG. 23, the first user is provided with oneor more affordances 345. Each affordance 345 in the one or moreaffordances corresponds to a different respective challenge 50 in a setof one or more challenges. Each challenge 50 in the set of one or morechallenges comprises: (i) a scene image 52 of a respective scene and(ii) an independent first plurality of markers 56. Each marker 56 in theindependent first plurality of markers has a different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene and corresponding to a type 70within a plurality of types. In some embodiments, the scene is of asingle room in a building, or an outdoor location. In other embodiments,the scene is a hotel lobby, a spa, a cafeteria, a ranch, or a winery (oran outdoor area). Details about the affordances 345, challenge 50, sceneimage 52 of a respective scene and markers 56 have been discussed inFIGS. 4, 5, and 16 and their corresponding paragraphs, and will not berepeated for the sake of brevity.

Turning to block 2306 of FIG. 23, responsive to selection of a firstaffordance 345 in the one or more affordances, the scene image 52 of therespective scene and the first plurality of markers 56 of a firstchallenge 50 in the one or more challenges that corresponds to the firstaffordance 1602 are displayed.

Referring to block 2308 of FIG. 23 and FIG. 6 for reference, for eachsequential user selection in a first plurality of user selections, of arespective marker 56 in the first plurality of markers, of the challenge50, corresponding to the first affordance 1602 (FIG. 16), theapplication module 44 performs a procedure. In this procedure, andreferring to block 2310 of FIG. 23 and FIG. 19 for reference, a firstplurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding to the respectivemarker is displayed.

Referring to block 2312 of FIG. 23, the procedure of block 2308continues with a user selection of a selected virtual furnishing unit 74in the first plurality of virtual furnishing units that are displayed.

Referring to block 2314 of FIG. 23, the procedure of block 2308continues with the display of a three-dimensional graphic 354 of theselected virtual furnishing unit at the different designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene, thereby populating therespective scene with a first plurality of three-dimensional graphics,each respective three-dimensional graphic in the first plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics at the corresponding designated set ofcoordinates within the respective scene specified by the differentdesignated set of coordinates within the respective scene of thecorresponding marker. For instance, the transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7illustrates how the marker 56-2 is replaced with a three-dimensionalgraphic 354-1 of the selected virtual furnishing unit 74 for the marker56-2 at the different designated set of coordinates within therespective scene of the marker 56-2. The transition from FIG. 7 to FIG.8 illustrates how the markers 56-8, 56-1, 56-5, 56-6, 56-7, 56-3, and56-4 are respectively replaced with the three-dimensional graphics 354-2(56-8→354-2, lamp), 354-3 (56-1→354-3, couch), 354-7 (56-5→354-7, largeplant), 354-4 (56-6→354-4, cabinet), 354-5 (56-7→354-5, chair), 354-6(56-3→354-6, rug), and 354-8 (56-4→354-8, coffee table) of the selectedvirtual furnishing units 74 for these markers at the differentdesignated set of coordinates within the scene image 52 for theserespective markers. In some embodiments, the first plurality of userselections of the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics 354completes the first challenge.

Referring to block 2316 of FIG. 23, responsive to the first plurality ofuser selections of the virtual furnishing units 74, (i) a firstfurnishing style associated with the virtual furnishing units 74 isidentified and (ii) the first user is provided with (e.g., awarded,offered) a first unit of a virtual currency.

In some embodiments, the plurality of user selections of virtualfurnishing units of the virtual furnishing units 74 exactly matches aparticular furnishing style and accordingly the identified (first)furnishing style is the particular furnishing style. In someembodiments, the virtual furnishing units 74 corresponding to the firstplurality of user selections have a plurality of furnishing styles. Theidentification of the first furnishing style for the virtual furnishingunits corresponding to the first plurality of user selections furthercomprises: (i) a determination of a furnishing style for each virtualfurnishing unit corresponding to the first plurality of user selectionsand (ii) an identification of the first furnishing style in accordancewith a determination that a majority (e.g., the highestproportion/percentage of furnishing units) of the furnishing units 74have the first furnishing style. For example, in a scene having tenpieces of furniture, the scene is determined to be predominantly a stylewhen at least 50% (e.g., five) of the virtual furnishing units 74 havethe same style.

In some embodiments, the virtual furnishing units 74 corresponding tothe first plurality of user selections have a plurality of furnishingstyles. The identification of the first furnishing style for the virtualfurnishing units corresponding to the first plurality of user selectionsis responsive to a determination that a predetermined number (e.g.,four) of the virtual furnishing units 74 have the first furnishingstyle.

In other embodiments, the plurality of user selections of virtualfurnishing units 74 includes several different styles and theapplication 44 selects a dominant furnishing style between (i) theplurality of user selections and (ii) the respective profile of eachfurnishing style in a plurality of furnishing styles. Stated anotherway, the application 44 looks at past selections of the user and selectsa dominant furnishing style based on the furnishing style(s) that theuser has tended toward in the past.

In yet other embodiments, the plurality of user selections of virtualfurnishing units 74 includes several different styles and theapplication 44 selects a dominant furnishing style using a nearestneighbor algorithm or other form of classifier. Here, the application 44uses the nearest neighbor algorithm (or other form of classifier)against a search space that is defined by (i) a first location withinthe scene identified by the first user (e.g., using the coordinates ofthe scene) and (ii) furnishing styles that other users have selected forthe first location or locations within the vicinity of the firstlocation. The application 44 then selects a dominant furnishing style inaccordance with the results provided by nearest neighbor algorithm orother form of classifier, identifies the dominant style as the firstfurnishing style, and selects the dominant style as the first furnishingstyle associated with the virtual furnishing units 74.

In some embodiments, the application 44 selects the dominant furnishingstyle based on furnishing styles of friends of the first user. Asdiscussed earlier, in some embodiments the application 44 identifies,from the first user's social media accounts, a list of friends who arecurrent users of the application. In some embodiments, the application44 further pulls (e.g., retrieves) respective profiles from across atleast a subset of the list of friends and identifies a respectivedominant furnishing style for each of the friends in the subset. Theapplication then selects the furnishing style for the first user basedon the respective identified furnishing styles for each of the friendsin the subset. For example, the application 44 selects the firstfurnishing style as the dominant furnishing style based on a majority ofthe subset of friends having selected the first furnishing style astheir dominant furnishing style.

In some embodiments, instead of (or in addition to) selecting thedominant furnishing style, the application 44 selects one or moredominant pieces of furnishing units for a particular location/spotwithin the scene identified by the first user, by identifying thefurnishing units that the friends have placed at the particularlocation/spot. For example, the first user may identify a corner of aroom as the location/spot that they wish to place a furnishing unit.Responsive to the identification of the corner of the room by the firstuser, the application 44 identifies furnishing units that the user'sfriends have selected for the corner of the room (e.g., from thefriends' completed challenges and having the scene with the particularcorner/spot). In some instances, the application 44 may identify thatthat five of the friends have each selected a plant, three of thefriends have each selected a table, and two of the friends have eachselected a chair, for placement at the corner of the room. Theapplication 44 then selects a furnishing unit based on the friends'selections of furnishing units. Thus, in this instance the application44 selects the plant as the dominant furnishing unit. Alternatively, theapplication 44 notifies the first user that the plant and the table arethe two most dominant options based on the selections of the friends.

In some embodiments, the virtual currency provided to the first user isin the form of the first application counter 60 (e.g., keys), the secondapplication counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), or the third applicationcounter (e.g., diamonds). For example, responsive to the first pluralityof user selections of the virtual furnishing units 74 and theidentification of the first furnishing style associated with the virtualfurnishing units 74, the user is provided with 75 units of keys, $2,500virtual cash, or 500 units of diamonds.

In some embodiments, the virtual currency is in the form of the fourthapplication counter 67 (e.g., virtual style card, as illustrated in FIG.24A). For example, responsive to the first plurality of user selectionsof the virtual furnishing units 74 and the identification of the firstfurnishing style associated with the virtual furnishing units, the useris provided with one unit of virtual style card 67. In some embodiments,the first unit of the virtual currency (e.g., the virtual style card 67)provided to the first user is associated with (e.g., describes) thefirst furnishing style that has been identified.

A virtual style card 67 is a card that conveys (e.g., describes) a look(appearance), connection (association), and feeling of a furnishingstyle 353. Different virtual furnishing units 74 have differentfurnishing styles 353, e.g., modern, traditional or eclectic, and thusvirtual style cards 67 are tools to get users to learn about particularstyles and how the different pieces of the furnishing units 74 (e.g.,color, material, pattern) fit together to form a particular style bydescribing the connection between the color, material, pattern, and thestyle. As players (users) piece together a particular style—either byrandom or by knowing about the style, they will be able to collect(e.g., awarded) a virtual style card 67 that is associated with theparticular style. In some implementations (as will be described later),when a user has collected a certain number of virtual style cards, theuser will be provided with additional rewards. In other words, a user isrewarded a style card 67 for that style that the user demonstratedproficiency at.

In some embodiments (not shown), a user will be able to let other usersknow that they are experts of a particular design/style (e.g., byregistering/tagging themselves as an expert for a particular designstyle in the application 44). Likewise, a user can let other users knowthat their friend is an expert in a different design/style (e.g., bytagging their friend in the application 44). Additionally, theapplication 44 may associate users as having expertise in particulardesigns/styles based on a number of virtual style cards 67 collected bythe users. In some embodiments, the application 44 further recognizesusers who are real life design experts by virtue of their profession,skills, credentials, and/or qualifications, and the application 44 givesout “official recognized” tags to these users. Tags are searchablemetadata and a user can search within the application 44 for other userswith particular design expertise. Thus, accordingly, the application 44also functions as a resource for users to locate and connect withexperts of interior decorating for particular furnishing styles/designs,and to engage them in both the application 44 and in a real lifesetting.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are screen images showing details of a virtual stylecard 67, in accordance with some implementations. In some embodiments,the virtual style card 67 includes a first side 2402 (FIG. 24A) and asecond side 2403 (FIG. 24B). The first side 2402 includes anidentification of the first furnishing style 2404-1 (“Luxe Collection”)and identification of one or more of color (“Blue”), material(“Velvet”), and pattern 2406-1 associated with the first furnishingstyle 2404-1. In some embodiments and referring to FIG. 24B, the secondside 2403 also includes information of the first furnishing style 2404-1and the one or more of color, material, and pattern 2406-1 that arefound on the first side 2402. The second side 2403 also provides adescription 2408 of where and how the color and/or the material and/orthe pattern 2406-1 may be used. Additionally, the second side 2403 alsoincludes a first reward 2410 (“Prize—500 diamonds”) that is provided toa user for collecting the first unit (“Blue Velvet”) of virtual stylecard 67 associated with the first furnishing style 2404-1. In thisexample, the first reward 2410 is in the form of the third applicationcounter 66 (“500 diamonds”). In other embodiments, the first reward 2410takes the form of a different virtual currency (e.g., in the firstapplication counter 60 (e.g., keys) or the second application counter 64(e.g., virtual cash). Furthermore, the second side 2403 also provides adescription of a second reward 2412 (“Collection Prize”) that a userwill receive when a collection criterion associated with the virtualcurrency (e.g., virtual style card) is satisfied. In some embodiments,the collection criterion is five units of virtual style cards of thefirst furnishing style. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 24B and 25, auser will receive the second reward 2412 (“Luxe boost”) when the userhas collected a predetermined number (e.g., five) of (distinct) units ofvirtual style cards associated with the first furnishing style 2404-1.

In some embodiments and referring to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the first unit(e.g., “Blue Velvet” virtual style card 67-1-1) is one of a plurality ofunits associated with the first furnishing style 2404-1 (“LuxeCollection”). The first furnishing style 2404-1 includes a plurality ofcolors and/or materials and/or patterns 2406-1. Each of the plurality ofunits 67-1 associated with the first furnishing style 2404-1 has adistinct combination of the colors, and/or the materials, and/or thepatterns. As illustrated in FIG. 24B, the first furnishing style 2404-1includes a plurality of units (e.g., five virtual style cards)corresponding to “Blue Velvet (67-1-1),” “Green Leaf Weave (67-1-2),”“Marble Embellishments (67-1-3),” “Yellow Satin (67-1-4), and “QuiltedCushion (67-1-5).” Each of the plurality of units 67-1 associated withthe first furnishing style 2404-1 and has a distinct combination of thecolors, and/or the materials, and/or the patterns.

In some embodiments, responsive to a determination that the collectioncriterion associated with the virtual currency has been satisfied, thefirst user is provided with the second reward 2412. In some embodiments,the second reward 2412 is one of: a first amount in units of a firstapplication counter (e.g., keys) 60, a second amount in units of thesecond application counter (e.g., virtual cash) 64, a third amount inunits of a third application counter (e.g., diamonds) 66, and a virtualfurnishing unit 74 (e.g., a rare furnishing unit in limited quantity)that can be used in future challenges 50. Referring to FIG. 24B, thesecond reward 2412 (“Collection Prize”) associated with discovering fivecards of the first furnishing style 2404-1 (“Luxe collection”) is a Luxeboost. For instance, referring to FIGS. 22 and 24B, suppose a user hascollected units 67-1-1 to 67-1-4 of virtual style cards associated withthe first furnishing style 2404-1, and has completed a challenge 50 bypopulating a respective scene with virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to the quilted design, as illustrated by quilted sofa354-15 and quilted ottoman 354-17 as in FIG. 22. Accordingly, the useris awarded the “Quilted Cushion” unit 67-1-5 of virtual furnishing card.Furthermore, since the user has now discovered all five cards associatedwith the first furnishing style 2404-1 (“Luxe Collection”) (e.g., theapplication determines that the collection criterion associated with thefirst furnishing style 2404-1 has been satisfied), responsive to adetermination that the collection criterion associated with the virtualcurrency has been satisfied, the user is awarded with the second reward2212 (“Luxe boost” 2204 in FIG. 22) which doubles the room value from$20,000 to $40,000 in virtual dollars.

Referring to FIG. 24B, in some embodiments, each unit of virtual stylecard 67 is associated with a respective first reward 2410. Further,referring to FIGS. 24B and 25, in some embodiments, each furnishingstyle 2404 is associated with a respective collection criterion and arespective second reward 2412. For instance, the second reward 2404-2for satisfying the collection criterion of the second furnishing style2404-2 (“Tropical Collection”) may be a limited edition beach housedining table (e.g., a virtual furnishing unit).

In some embodiments, the virtual style card 67 includes a plurality offurnishing styles 2404. The first furnishing style 2404-1 is one of theplurality of furnishing styles. Each of the plurality of furnishingstyles 2404 includes a plurality of units (of the virtual currency).

In some embodiments and referring to FIG. 25, the virtual currency(e.g., fourth application counter 67 (e.g., virtual style cards))includes a plurality of furnishing styles 2404. FIG. 25 shows that thefirst furnishing style 2404-1 (“Luxe collection”) is one of theplurality of furnishing styles. There is also a second furnishing style2404-2 (“Tropical collection”) and a third furnishing style 2404-3(“Modern Collection”). Each of the plurality of furnishing styles 2404includes a plurality of units (of virtual style cards). Furthermore, asshown in FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the appearance of a unit ofvirtual style card 67-2-1 (and therefore the color and/or materialand/or pattern associated with the furnishing style) is not revealed toa user until the user has discovered it in the challenge and earned thevirtual style card 67. In other embodiments, the various units ofvirtual style cards 67 that make up a particular furnishing collectionare made known to a user, to motivate the user to explore the associatedcolor and/or material and/or pattern of the furnishing style and earnrewards.

In some embodiments, virtual style cards 67 associated with some stylesare rarely given out. In other embodiments, virtual style cards 67associated with some styles have more units than those of other styles.Further, in some embodiments, virtual style cards 67 can be traded withother players. Additionally, virtual style cards 67 can be cashed in forother currency or virtual items (e.g., virtual furnishing units 74). Insome embodiments, virtual style cards 67 associated with a particularstyle can also be used to obtain store credit in the form of a discounton purchases of real world items in that particular style.

In some embodiments, the first furnishing style 2404-1 is one of:modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, English (e.g., Traditional Englishor English country), Bohemian, Victorian, French (e.g., French country),Oriental, Queen Anne, Sheraton, luxurious, traditional, minimalist,rustic, tropical, or coastal.

In some embodiments, the color of the one or more of color, material,and pattern 2406 is any combination of beige, black, blue, brown, clear,copper, dark grey, gold, green, grey, light grey, lime, metallic, mint,mirror, multi, navy, off white, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, tan,turquoise, white, and yellow.

In some embodiments, the material of the one or more of color, material,and pattern 2406 is any combination of acrylic, bone, burl, ceramic,concrete, cork, cotton, fabric, faux leather, faux suede, fiberglass,furry, glass, hide, lacquer, leather, linen, marble, metal, mohair,natural, poly, rattan, satin, shell, silk, skin, stone, velvet, wire,wood, and wool.

In some embodiments, the pattern of the one or more of color, material,and pattern 2406 is any combination of animal print antique, Chevron,Chinoiserie, Damask, distressed, floral, geometric, houndstooth, ikat,marble, motif, nailhead, patchwork, plaid, polka dots, quatrefoil,striped, toile, tufted, wash, weave, and weathered.

Completed Challenges

In accordance with some implementations, the application 44 includesaffordances (e.g., menu options) with which a user may interact toaccess the various functionalities of the application. Besides providingfunctionalities associated with competitive scene completion, theapplication 44 is also configured to allow a user to revisit a scenethat the user has previously completed (e.g., the scene of a previouslycompleted challenge that includes respective furnishing units 74 chosenduring the challenge 50). In some embodiments, the application 44 alsoincludes affordances to allow the user to create a virtual scrapbookthat comprises a collection of completed scenes. In other embodiments,the application further includes other affordances to facilitate thecreation of a tangible book (e.g., in print format) of comprising printscenes of completed challenges.

To this end, FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating a method 2600 forrevisiting previously completed challenges in an application 44, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As notedin block 2602 of FIG. 23, the method 2600 is performed at a clientdevice 102 comprising a display 408, one or more processors 402 andmemory 407, in an application 44 running on the client device associatedwith a first user.

Referring to block 2604 of FIG. 26, the first user is provided with afirst plurality of affordances. As illustrated in FIG. 27, theapplication 44 comprises a plurality of menu options (e.g., a firstplurality of affordances), such as a winner affordance 2714, achallenges affordance 2716, the vote affordance 1204, a shop affordance2718, and a user affordance 2502. Each of the first plurality ofaffordances is a user interface object (e.g., a user-selectable icon)with which a user may interact to access features (and/or functions) ofthe application. FIG. 27 shows that the first plurality of affordancesis displayed at the bottom of the screen display. In otherimplementations, the first plurality of affordances may be displayed ata predefined area of the display, albeit a different location. Further,selection of one of the first plurality of affordances may causerespective sub-menus and/or options (e.g., in the form of icons and/ortabs) to be displayed, as will be described in greater detail in thefollowing paragraphs.

As noted above, selection of each of the first plurality of affordancescauses a different feature of the application to be displayed. Forexample, a user may select the winner affordance 2714. Responsive tothis, several lists are displayed (not shown). In some embodiments, eachlist is associated with a category (e.g., highest star stores, highestseasonal star store, top design values etc.) and contains rankings ofthe top users (e.g., the top ten users, the top 50 users, the top 100users) of the category. In another instance, a user may select thechallenges affordance 2716. Responsive to this, a plurality ofchallenges such as that disclosed in FIG. 16 is displayed, in accordancewith some embodiments. A user may participate in a respective challengeto complete a scene using the method described in FIG. 5. In anotherexample, a user may select the vote affordance 1204. Responsive to this,a panel such as that disclosed in FIG. 13 which shows the next challengeavailable for voting is displayed, in accordance with some embodimentsand as described earlier. In yet another example, a user may select theshop affordance 2718. Responsive to this, a plurality of virtualfurnishing units 74 from the virtual furnishing unit database 328 isdisplayed (not shown). In some embodiments, the displayed virtualfurnishing units are arranged by their arrival date, with the mostrecent virtual furnishing unit displayed first. In some embodiments, theplurality of virtual furnishing units from the virtual furnishing unitdatabase 328 can be sorted by brand or by furnishing unit type.

In some embodiments, a user may select the user affordance 2502.Responsive to this, panels such as those disclosed in FIGS. 27, 30, and25 are displayed. These panels collectively provide information aboutchallenges that have been completed by the user and virtual assets(e.g., in the form of virtual style cards 67 and virtual furnishingunits 74) owned by the user. These panels also provide information aboutthe account balance 1202 of the user (e.g., the other assets of theuser) in units of the first application counter 60 (e.g., keys), thesecond application counter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), and the thirdapplication counter 64 (e.g., diamonds), as illustrated to FIG. 12 anddescribed in the respective paragraphs.

For example, referring to FIG. 27, panel 2730 is displayed responsive toselection of the combination of the user affordance 2502, a furnitureaffordance (e.g., icon) 2722, and a tab 2726 (“Designs”) (e.g., in thisorder). The panel 2730 comprises images 2710 of scenes corresponding tochallenges previously completed by the user. Panel 3030 in FIG. 30 isdisplayed responsive to selection of the user affordance 2502, thefurniture affordance (e.g., icon) 2722, and a tab 2728 (“Inventory”)(e.g., in this order). The panel 3030 displays images of virtualfurnishing units 74 that are owned by the user. In some embodiments,each of the images is a user-selectable affordance. In some embodiments,a selection of an image of the virtual furnishing unit 74-8 in panel3030 causes a panel such as that in FIG. 29 to be displayed. Referringto FIG. 25, panel 2530 is displayed responsive to selection of the useraffordance 2502, the furniture affordance (e.g., icon) 2722, and a tab2504 (“Style Cards”) (e.g., in this order). The panel 2530 a collectionof virtual style cards 67 that the user has collected (e.g., owns). Eachof the images of the virtual style card is a user-selectable affordance.For example, a user selection of an image of the style card in panel2530 causes information about the corresponding furnishing style anddetails of the color/material and/or pattern 2406 to be displayed, asdescribed previously with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B.

Referring to block 2606 of FIG. 26, responsive to selection of a firstaffordance in the first plurality of affordances, one or more images aredisplayed. Each of the one or more images corresponds to a scene of aprevious challenge completed by the first user and includes a pluralityof virtual furnishing units 74 that was used to complete the previouschallenge. To this end, FIG. 27 shows a panel 2730 that is displayedresponsive to selection of the user affordance 2502 (e.g., a firstaffordance in the first plurality of affordances). In some embodiments,the panel 2730 is the default panel that is displayed responsive toselection of the user affordance 2502. In some embodiments, panel 2730is displayed responsive to selection of the combination of useraffordance 2502, furniture affordance (e.g., icon) 2722, and tab 2726(“Designs”) as discussed previously. Panel 2730 includes images 2710-1,2710-2, and 2710-3, each corresponding to a scene of a previouschallenge completed by the first user. Each of the images 2710 includesa respective plurality of three-dimensional graphics 354 of virtualfurnishing units 74 that was used to complete the previous challenge.Each of the images 2710 is displayed as a thumbnail and is auser-selectable affordance, as will be described in further detail. Insome embodiments, each image of the one or more images includes a score2712 (e.g., 2712-2 and 2712-3) corresponding to a first community votein response to completion of the respective challenge. In someembodiments, a user has completed a respective challenge but the epic isnot yet over (e.g., the respective challenge is still available to otherusers). In such instances instead of an actual score, the image 2710-1includes an indication 2712-1 of when the voting results will beavailable to the user.

In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 27, information about thefirst user, including: a unique identification 2702, a design level 71,and a design value 70 of the first user, is displayed concurrently withthe one or more images 2710.

In some embodiments, a selection of a subset of the one or more images2710 is received. Printing of the selected subset of the one or moreimages is facilitated, e.g., using an affordance 2720 that prompts auser to create a design book. In some instances, responsive to aselection of the affordance 2720, the user is directed to the website ofan outside vendor/publisher that produces printed copies of the images,thus causing creation of a tangible book. In some embodiments, the useris also provided with editing options (within the application 44 and/orfrom the outside vendor/publisher) to edit the images (e.g., cropping,applying a filter, changing brightness, changing contrast, changing anorientation, selectively changing a color, changing an orientation,changing hue, and adding a sticker) prior to submission for printing.

In some embodiments, a selection of a subset of the one or more images2710 is received. A second plurality of affordances is provided to thefirst user, to allow (enable) the first user to share the subset of theone or more images with one or more friends.

Referring to block 2608 of FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 for reference, responsiveto selection of a first image 2710-1 of the one or more images 2710, (i)a magnified view of the first image 2710-1 including a first pluralityof three-dimensional graphics 354-17 and 354-18 of virtual furnishingunits that was used to complete the challenge and (ii) an image for eachvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits 74-8 and 74-9 are concurrently displayed (e.g., in the same viewof the display). This is illustrated in FIG. 28. In some embodiments,the display of the magnified view of the first image 2710-1 furthercomprises display of a plurality of editing options to edit the (overallcomposition of) first image (not shown). The plurality of editingoptions to edit the first image is any combination of: cropping,applying a filter, changing brightness, changing contrast, changing anorientation, selectively changing a color, changing an orientation,changing hue, and adding a sticker to the first image. Further, as shownin FIG. 28, the image of each virtual furnishing unit 74 is displayed asa thumbnail. The images are displayed in a layout view, in the form of atable and includes rows and columns, with each image of the virtualfurnishing unit 74 occupying a cell in the table. In addition, anaffordance 2802 is provided to the user, to allow (enable) the firstuser to share the first image 2710-1 with one or more friends.

In some embodiments and with reference to the transition from FIG. 28 toFIG. 29, responsive to selecting the image for a first virtualfurnishing unit 74-8 in the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitsin FIG. 28, a second plurality of affordances is displayed, as shown inFIG. 29. The second plurality of affordances corresponds to options for:(i) purchasing the first virtual furnishing unit (using affordance 2912)for use in subsequent challenges, (ii) displaying brand (e.g.,manufacturer, vendor) information 2914 of the first virtual furnishingunit, and (iii) accessing a website 2916 of the brand. In someimplementations, at least a subset of the plurality of virtualfurnishing units 74 in the virtual furnishing unit database 328 aregraphical renditions of third-party licensed furniture. The image of thefirst virtual furnishing unit 74-8 (and for each (or at least) thesubset of the virtual furnishing unit 74 in the first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units) further comprises information regarding abrand 2902 of the virtual furnishing unit (e.g., brand name, vendorinformation) and an amount in units of an application counter (e.g., thesecond application counter 66, virtual cash of “$598”) to purchase thevirtual furnishing unit. In other embodiments (not shown), the panel inFIG. 28 also displays additional user interface elements (e.g.,affordances) that enable a user to purchase tangible (e.g., real)counterparts of the virtual furnishing units 74 directly within theapplication 44. Further, in some embodiments, information about theremaining number of times 2908 that the first virtual furnishing unit74-8 is available to the user to be used in subsequent challenges (“5”)is displayed. A 3D affordance 2910 may also be included. For example,selection of the 3D affordance 2910 causes the first virtual furnishingunit 74-8 to rotate in space (e.g., about the vertical axis), thusgiving the first virtual furnishing unit 74-8 a three-dimensionalperspective. In some embodiments, the 3D affordance 2910 is a togglebutton that allows a user to alternate the displaying of the firstvirtual furnishing unit 74-8 between its two-dimensional projection asshown in FIG. 29 and three-dimensional perspective.

Augmenting a Real Environment with a Virtual Furnishing Unit

In accordance with some implementations, the application server module318, through the application module 44, provides players (users) withchallenges by drawing on resources from both the application server 106and the client device 102. In one aspect, the application 44 isconfigured to project (e.g., superimpose, overlay) one or more virtualfurnishing units 74 from the virtual furnishing unit database 328 onto aroom (e.g., a live scene) that is obtained using one or more opticalsensors/cameras 473 on the client device 102. Alternatively, the one ormore virtual furnishing units 74 from the virtual furnishing unitdatabase 328 are projected onto an image 45 that is stored on the clientdevice 102. Thus, the completed challenge is an augmented version ofreality where the physical environment of a user is augmented with anoverlaid (superimposed), three-dimensional graphic of a virtualfurnishing unit. In some implementations the virtual furnishing unit isa three-dimensional graphical rendition of a commercially available(e.g., real) furniture. Thus, the augmented reality capability enables auser to visualize how the real furnishing item will look and fit in theenvironment of the user, before actually purchasing the piece offurniture.

To this end, FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3200 forcompetitive scene completion in an application 44, in which the scene isobtained by activation of a camera (e.g., optical sensor/camera 473) ofa client device 102 associated with a user, in accordance with someimplementations of the present disclosure.

As noted in block 3202 of FIG. 32, the method 3200 is performed at aclient device 102 comprising a camera (e.g., optical sensor/camera 473),a display 408, one or more processors 402 and memory 407, in anapplication 44 running on the client device associated with a user. Thecamera (e.g., optical sensor/camera 473) includes an image sensor havinga field of view and being configured to capture (live) images and (live)videos within the field of view.

Referring to block 3204 of FIG. 32 and with reference to FIG. 31, theuser is provided with an affordance 3102 corresponding to a challenge.The challenge is associated with a scene that is obtained by activationof the camera 473. In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 33A,the scene 3300 is a live image captured by the camera. In otherembodiments, the scene is an image 45 that is obtained from (e.g.,stored on) the camera 473.

In some embodiments, the scene includes (a corner of) a room in theuser's premises, a backyard, or a garden. The challenge includes acompletion criterion 3106 in FIG. 31 (“Place up to 2 items”) and adescription 3108 that camera access (e.g., via optical sensor/camera 473of the computing device 102) is required for the challenge. In someembodiments, the completion criterion includes populating the scene witha predetermined number (e.g., one, two, three or five) of virtualfurnishing units 74. In other embodiments, the completion criterionincludes populating the scene with one or more predefined types ofvirtual furnishing units, or a combination of both number and types ofvirtual furnishing units. When the user would like to enter thechallenge, they press the continue key 3110 on affordance 3102associated with the challenge.

Referring to block 3206 of FIG. 32 and as illustrated in FIGS. 33A to33R, responsive to selection of the affordance, the scene obtained bythe camera is displayed. FIGS. 33A to 33R are screen images illustratinga scene 3300 that is obtained by activation of the camera (e.g., opticalsensor/camera 473) and is displayed on the client device 102. Referringto FIG. 31, the affordance 3102 includes a description 3104 to “findthat corner of a room.” In this example, the scene 3300 is a room thatthe user (e.g., the client device 102) is situated. In some embodimentsand referring to FIG. 33B, the scene includes a plurality of images ofcommercially available (e.g., real) furnishing units 3302. In someembodiments, the plurality of images of commercially availablefurnishing units 3302 includes two or more of: a table 3302-2, a carpet3302-1, a countertop, a painting, a seating unit, a plant 3302-3, atelevision 3302-6, a dresser, a bookshelf, a shelf, a desk, and astereo. In some embodiments, the scene also includes one or more books3302-7 and/or magazine 3302-4.

Returning to block 3206 of FIG. 32 and as illustrated in FIG. 33A, aplurality of virtual furnishing units 74 is displayed on the screenimage. A comparison between FIGS. 33A and 33B reveals that the pluralityof virtual furnishing units 74 that is displayed is overlaid (e.g.,superimposed) on the scene 3300. In this example, the plurality ofvirtual furnishing units 74 is overlaid on the bottom half of thedisplay. In other embodiments, the plurality of virtual furnishing units74 may be overlaid on and in-line with any one of the sides of thedisplay. In response to receiving a selection of a first virtualfurnishing unit 74-8 in the plurality of virtual furnishing units 74 anda selection of a first location 3302-2 (FIG. 33C) in the scene 3300, athree-dimensional graphic of the first virtual furnishing unit 354-17(FIG. 34D) is displayed at the first location 3302-2, thereby populatingthe first location 3302-2 of the scene 3300 with the first virtualfurnishing unit 74-8. In some embodiments, the first location includes acountertop, a table, the floor, a window, a ceiling, a wall, or any realfurnishing unit that is available of the scene 3300.

In some embodiments, before the selection of the first location 3302-2(FIG. 33C) in the scene 3300 is received, the method further comprisesoverlaying (superimposing), on the displayed scene, a plurality ofinstructions for the user. Referring to FIGS. 33B and 33C, the pluralityof instructions includes a first instruction 3306 to position the camera473 over a flat surface of the scene. The plurality of instructions alsoincludes a second instruction 3310 to activate (e.g., tap on/“Tap toplace”) a first icon 3312 that is overlaid (superimposed) on the scene.As further illustrated in FIG. 33C, in some embodiments the first icon3310 is at a predefined position with respect to the second instruction3310.

Referring to block 3208 of FIG. 32 and as illustrated from thetransition from FIG. 33C to FIG. 33D, responsive to the selection of thefirst location 3302-2, a three-dimensional graphic 354-17 of the firstvirtual furnishing unit 74-8 is displayed at the first location, therebypopulating the first location 3302-2 of the scene 3300 with the firstvirtual furnishing unit 74-8. In some embodiments, an execution of thesecond instruction is 3310 detected by the application 44 (e.g., thedisplay is a touch-sensitive display and the application 44 detects atapping action (of a finger) of the user on the touch-sensitivedisplay). Responsive to the detection, the three-dimensional graphic354-17 of the first virtual furnishing unit 74-8 is displayed at thefirst location 3302-2.

In some embodiments, the first location includes a real furnishing unit3302. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 33C and 33D, the firstlocation is (e.g., corresponds to) a real table 3302-2 that is in theenvironment of the user (client device 102). Accordingly, as illustratedin these figures, displaying the three-dimensional graphic of the firstvirtual furnishing unit at the first location comprises displaying thethree-dimensional graphic 354-17 of the first virtual furnishing unit74-8 on (e.g., a surface of) the real furnishing unit 3302-2.

In some embodiments, the display is a touch-sensitive display. Asillustrated in FIG. 33D, after displaying the three-dimensional graphic354-17 of the first selected virtual furnishing unit 74-8 at the firstlocation 3302-2, the application 44 detects one or more predefined useractions with respect to the display (e.g., in accordance withinstruction 3314 presented in FIG. 33D). In response to the detecting, aposition of the first selected furnishing unit in the scene is varied.The varying includes a translation (moving, displacing) of the firstselected furnishing unit 74-8 with respect to the first location.Additionally, or alternatively, the varying includes a rotation of thefirst selected furnishing unit with respect to a time-averaged positionof the first location.

In some embodiments, the rotation is in response to detecting a touchaction on the first selected furnishing unit with two fingers of theuser and a twist action of the two fingers (e.g., in accordance withinstruction 3320 presented in FIG. 33E).

In some embodiments, the moving is in response to detecting a touchaction on the first selected furnishing unit (e.g., using one finger) bythe user and a drag action on the first selected furnishing unit (e.g.,in accordance with instruction 3314 in FIG. 33D.)

In some embodiments, the completion criterion is placing two virtualfurnishing units in the scene 3300. FIGS. 33H to 33M illustrate thesteps to populate the scene 3300 with the three-dimensional graphic354-18 of the second virtual furnishing unit 74-9. Essentially thesesteps are a repeat of what have been described with respect to FIGS. 33Ato 33F. Specifically, the transition from FIG. 33K to FIG. 33L providesan example of a translation (moving, displacing) of thethree-dimensional graphic 354-18 of the second selected furnishing unit74-9 (responsive to detection of a touch and drag action on thedisplay). Further, the transition from FIG. 33L to 33M provides anexample of a rotation of the three-dimensional graphic 354-18 of thesecond selected furnishing unit 74-9 (responsive to detection of a touchwith two fingers and a twist on the display).

Referring to block 3210 of FIG. 32, when the completion criterionassociated with the challenge is satisfied, an image of the scene iscaptured, as illustrated in FIG. 33Q. The captured image of the sceneincludes the three-dimensional graphic of the first virtual furnishingunit populating the first location of the scene. Responsive to thecapturing, the user is provided with a first amount 3336 in units of anapplication counter (e.g., the first application counter 60, the secondapplication counter 64, the third application counter 66, or the fourthapplication counter 67).

In some embodiments, the captured image of the scene, including thethree-dimensional graphic of the first virtual furnishing unit, iscaptured using the camera (e.g., by activating the camera icon 3318 inFIG. 33P on the display).

As illustrated in FIGS. 33Q and 33R, responsive to the capturing, theapplication provides an option 3340 to share the captured image with oneor more friends of the user in some embodiments. Responsive to selectionof the option 3340, the application 44 provides a plurality ofaffordances 3342 that allows the user to share the captured image withone or more friends (e.g., through email, message, AirDrop, photosharing sites, and social media platforms).

In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 33D, the application 44further displays a second icon 3316 (e.g., a trash can icon). Inresponse to the user selection of the second icon 3316, the firstvirtual furnishing unit 74-8 is caused to be removed (e.g., deleted)from the scene. In some embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 33G, theapplication 44 also includes a reset option 3326 to abort the operationsassociated with the first virtual furnishing unit 74-8 thus far. Theuser gets to select either the same or a different furnishing unit forplacement in the scene 3300.

In some embodiments and referring to FIG. 33N, after the image of thescene 3300 including the three-dimensional graphic of the first virtualfurnishing unit 74-8 is captured, the application 44 displays a thirdinstruction 3330 to activate one or more filters. In some embodiments,the one or more filters are included in the configuration of the camera(e.g., the one or more filters are built-in features of the camera). Inother embodiments, the one or more filters are included within (e.g.,are features of) the application 44 (e.g., the filters are part of theapplication 44). In some embodiments, the one or more filters include: aHefe filter, a Clarendon filter, or a Moon filter. The Hefe filter addshigh contrast and saturation to the image, and creates a warm feeling inthe modified captured image when it is applied. The Clarendon filteradds light to lighter areas of the image and makes dark areas of theimage darker, thus causing colors to stand out. The Moon filter reducesthe glare of the image.

In some embodiments, a predefined user action responsive to the thirdinstruction 3330 to activate one or more filters is detected. Referringto FIGS. 33N and 330, the predefined user action may comprise a swipegesture (e.g., the movement of a finger on the display from the left toright or from the right to left). In response to the detection of thepredefined user action, the application 44 activates the one or morefilters. The application 44 further displays the type (e.g., name) offilter 3332 that has been activated, and an image of the scene 3300whose effect has been modified according to the activated filter 3332.In some embodiments, modifying the captured image includes modifying oneor more of: a brightness, a color, a contrast, a color balance, a hue,and a saturation of the captured image.

Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed above enable a user toknow the look of the furnishing units and how they fit in the user'senvironment. Furthermore, once the virtual furnishing units are placedon the scene 3300, the user can freely walk around the scene 3300 andview the placed virtual furnishing units from different angles, throughthe camera 473 on the client device 102.

In some embodiments, a virtual furnishing unit 74 is further associatedwith an animation sequence that is generated under a given set ofconditions (e.g., a swipe action, a zoom action, a swipe action, a twistor torqueing action, and a flick action). The animation sequencecomprises a plurality of two-dimensional images that are generated basedon an orientation of the virtual furnishing unit 74 at the time thegiven set of conditions occur. This results in a series oftwo-dimensional images of the furnishing unit in which portions of theimages (e.g., portions of the depicted furnishing unit) appear to moveover time. The animation sequences may be generated from the virtualfurnishing unit in a digital file formats (e.g., .mp4, .mov, .png,.jpeg, .fli, .flc, .fla, .gif, .mov, .swf, or similar file formats).

In some embodiments, a virtual furnishing unit 74 is represented athree-dimensional vector representation (e.g., AutoCAD, ArchiCAD,3DStudioMax, Rhino) of the object (furnishing unit). The user is able tointeract with the object (e.g., furnishing units placed in the scene3300). As the user moves around the scene 3300 (e.g., pans around thescene, rotates about the scene, and/or magnifies a portion of thescene), the object's view changes. For example, when a user transitionsto viewing a top of the object from an initial perspective, the view ofthe top of the object varies compared to the initial perspective.Moreover, in some embodiments once a zoom criterion or other form oftrigger criterion is satisfied a two-dimensional motion effect isimposed such as pitch, roll, yaw, swing, etc of all or a portion of thefurnishing unit by varying some of the coordinates in thethree-dimensional vector representation. For instance, when a user pansfrom a first side of a scene to a second side of the scene, leaves of aplant type furnishing unit included in the scene may sway in accordancewith the panning of the scene.

In some embodiments, one or more furnishing units are associated with athreshold magnification condition. When the user magnifies the scene ata magnification greater than or equal to a predetermined magnificationthreshold, one or more additional details associated with the one ormore furnishing units in the magnified scene are displayed. In someembodiments, the user magnifies the furnishing units included in thescene instead of the entire scene. In some embodiments, the usermagnifies a portion of the scene. For instance, when a scene includes anaquarium type furnishing unit and a user magnifies the scene past apredetermined magnification threshold of the aquarium type furnishingunit, additional details of the aquarium (e.g., inhabitants of theaquarium) are displayed and/or animated. Thus, depending on the view andthe zoom (e.g., distance and angle), parts of object will be selectedand animated for the corresponding two-dimensional view. By bridging thegap between the perception of a furnishing unit and the actual product,the user's experience is improved.

Premises-Related Challenges

In accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure,competitive scene completion also includes premises-related challengesthat are associated with premises of users. Briefly, the process startswith a user acquiring one or more premises 51 (e.g., a house, abuilding, or (a part of a) famous landmark buildings such as the WestWing of the White House) in the application 44 using an amount in unitsof the first application counter 60 (e.g., keys), the second applicationcounter 64 (e.g., virtual cash), and/or the third application counter 66(e.g., diamonds). The premises 51 includes a plurality of rooms. Then,the user is enabled to participate in a plurality of premises-relatedchallenges. For instance, the initially acquired premises 51 startsunfurnished. The first premises-related challenge comprises decorating afirst room (e.g., with a plurality of virtual furnishing units 74, suchas using the method described in FIG. 5). After the user completes thefirst premises-related challenge, the application 44 causes additionalrooms in the premises 51 to become unlocked for decorating.

In some embodiments, premises-related challenges are available in theapplication 44 through the challenges affordance 2716 in FIG. 27.Referring to FIG. 34A, the challenges affordance 2716 includes sub-menus(or tabs) 3402 (“Challenges”) and 3404 (“My House”). When the userselects the “My House” tab 3404, a screen image such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 34A is displayed, inviting the user to participatein one or more challenges associated with the premises. On the otherhand, when the user selects the “Challenge” tab 3402, the screen imageas illustrated in FIG. 16 is presented to the user to invite the user toparticipate in a respective challenge in a plurality of challenges, inaccordance with some embodiments and as discussed previously.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3500 for competitive scenecompletion associated with a premises 51 in an application 44, inaccordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

As noted in block 3502 of FIG. 35, the method 3500 is performed at aclient device 102 comprising a display 408, one or more processors 402and memory 407, in an application 44 running on the client deviceassociated with a first user.

Referring to block 3504 of FIG. 35 and with reference to FIG. 34A, thefirst user is provided with an affordance 3404 corresponding to achallenge associated with a premises. The premises includes a pluralityof rooms.

In some embodiments, the premises 51 is a house, an office, a hotel or alandmark building (e.g., a famous building, or a building withhistorical significance, such as the West Wing of the White House,Hearst Castle, or Buckingham Palace).

In some embodiments, the plurality of rooms is a predetermined numberand each of the plurality of rooms is associated with a type. Forinstance, the premises 51 is a house that comprises four rooms, namely:a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, of which is a typeof room.

Responsive to selection (3506) of the affordance and in accordance withFIG. 34A, a layout 53-1 of the premises 51 including the plurality ofrooms and relationships between the plurality of rooms is displayed(3508). The layout 53-1 is also referred to as a blueprint (or floorplan/plan view) that the user uses to navigate the premises and accessthe various rooms. As depicted in FIG. 34A, the layout 53-1 shows arelative location (position) of each room in the premises 51,relationships between the plurality of rooms 3416, and includes wallsseparating the rooms 3416. The dimensions of each of the plurality ofrooms 3416 are drawn to scale. In some embodiments, the layout 53-1 isalso referred to as a first mode of display.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 34A, a user-modifiable label3408 (“House Name”), an option to upload an image of the premises 3406,and a value 3410 (e.g., a first premises value or an initial value) ofthe premises (“$5,000”) are displayed concurrently with the layout 53-1of the premises.

In some embodiments and referring to the transition from FIG. 34A toFIG. 34B, a user modification of the label is received and a userselection of an image representation of the premises is also received.Responsive to the receipt of these inputs, the application 44 updatesthe label and image, and displays concurrently with the layout of thepremises the user-modified label 3409 and the image 3428 representingthe premises.

In some embodiments and referring to FIG. 34A, the premises comprises aplurality of levels (e.g., the premises is multi-story). Displaying thelayout of the premises comprises displaying the layout of a first level3420 (“First Floor”) of the plurality of levels of the premises. In someembodiments (not shown), options for accessing other levels of theplurality of levels of the premises are also presented to the user.Selection of the options causes a respective layout of (one of) theother levels of the premises to be displayed. In some instances, thepremises is a single story building and in this case, information aboutthe level/floor/story of the single story premises is optional.

Referring to block 3510 of FIG. 35, a selection of a first room of theplurality of rooms in the layout is received.

Referring to block 3512 of FIG. 35 and as illustrated in FIG. 34A,responsive to the selection of the first room, an image 3422-1corresponding to a first room scene of the first room (e.g., livingroom) is displayed. The first room scene shows a three-dimensionalperspective (e.g., presentation or image) of the first room and includesaffordances 3424 that allow a user to navigate and see the full image ofthe room from different angles. In some embodiments, the room scene isalso known as a second mode of display. In some embodiments, responsiveto selection of the first room of the plurality of rooms in the layout,the first room is caused to be displayed differently from other rooms ofthe plurality of rooms in the layout 53-1. For example, the selectedroom is indicated with a different color (e.g., blue) compared to therest of the rooms (e.g., gray).

In some embodiments, the display 408 is a touch-sensitive display.Receiving selection of the first room of the plurality of rooms in thelayout comprises detecting a first predefined action with respect to thetouch-sensitive display. For example, the first predefined actioncomprises a touch gesture or a tap gesture on the region of the layoutcorresponding to the first room. In some embodiments and as shown inFIG. 34A, the layout 53-1 includes labels (“Living Room,” “Kitchen”etc.) that identify each of the rooms of the premises, and each of thelabels is a user-selectable affordance. In this instance, the firstpredefined action corresponds to a tap action of the label on thelayout.

In some embodiments, the plurality of rooms 3416 in the layout 53-1includes a first subset of rooms that is responsive to user selectionand a second subset of rooms that is not responsive to user selection.The first subset of rooms has a first visual representation (e.g., afirst color or a first type of icon). The second subset of rooms has asecond visual representation (e.g., a second color or a second type oficon) that is distinct from the first visual representation. Referringto FIG. 34A, the living room 3416-1 is the only one of the plurality ofrooms that is responsive to user selection, and has a different visualrepresentation from the other rooms (e.g., the study, the kitchen andthe bathroom) that are not selectable. For instance, on the layout 53-1,the walls defining the living room are represented as solid lineswhereas the other rooms have walls that are represented as dotted lines.Also, as noted in FIG. 34A, the living room 3416-1 is the only room doesnot have a lock icon 3417. The lock icon 3417 indicates that the room isnon-selectable (e.g., not responsive to user selection).

In some embodiments, the premises 51 starts with a single room that isselectable Thus, the user starts with a challenge associated with thesingle room and as they progress, additional rooms (premises-relatedchallenges) become unlocked and selectable. As illustrated in FIG. 34A,the first room 3416-1 is the only one of the plurality of rooms 3416 inthe layout 53-1 that is responsive to user selection. In someembodiments, when a first completion criterion associated with the firstroom scene has been satisfied, a second room of the plurality of roomsin the layout is (caused to be) unlocked. The unlocking causes thesecond room to be responsive to user selection.

In some embodiments, at least two rooms of the plurality of rooms in thelayout is responsive to user selection, thereby providing the user witha starting option to decorate either one of the at least two rooms. Inother embodiments, each room of the plurality of rooms in the layout isresponsive to user selection (e.g., each room of the plurality of roomsin the layout is a user-selectable affordance). Thus, the user has achoice in terms of which room/challenge they would like to start with asa first premises-related challenge.

In some embodiments, the first room scene comprises a first plurality ofmarkers. Each marker in the first plurality of markers has a differentdesignated set of coordinates within the first room and corresponds to atype within a plurality of types. The method 3500 further comprises: foreach sequential user selection of a respective marker in the firstplurality of markers, performing a first procedure. The first procedurecomprises displaying a first plurality of virtual furnishing unitscorresponding to the respective marker. A user selection of a selectedvirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits is received. A three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtualfurnishing unit at the different designated set of coordinates withinthe first room scene is displayed. The first room scene is therebypopulated with a first plurality of three-dimensional graphics, eachrespective three-dimensional graphic in the first plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics at the corresponding designated set ofcoordinates within the scene specified by the different designated setof coordinates within the scene of the corresponding marker. Thisprocedure is similar to that of block 544 of FIG. 5 and illustrated inthe transition from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, displaying the first plurality of virtualfurnishing units corresponding to the respective marker comprisesdisplaying one or more first virtual furnishing units retained by thefirst user that match the type of the respective marker. The displayingthe first plurality of virtual furnishing units corresponding to therespective marker also comprises displaying one or more second virtualfurnishing units not retained by the first user that match the type ofthe respective marker, wherein the displaying further comprises removingfrom display any virtual furnishing units that do not qualify forpopulating the respective marker.

In some embodiments, a user is enabled submit the first room scene withthe first plurality of three-dimensional graphics when a first roomcompletion criterion associated with the first room scene has beensatisfied, for example using the Enter affordance 3426 in FIG. 34B. Thefirst room completion criterion specifies (i) which correspondingdesignated sets of coordinates within the first room scene must bepopulated and (ii) a first amount, in units of a first applicationcounter (e.g., keys), required to submit the first room scene.Responsive to submitting the first room scene with the first pluralityof three-dimensional graphics, the user selection of virtual furnishingunits for the first room scene is communicated to a remote server. Theuser is provided a second amount in units of a second applicationcounter. A first community vote on the submitted first room scene withthe first plurality of three-dimensional graphics is received from theremote server. The first user is notified of the first community vote onthe submitted first room scene with the first plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics. The first user is limited to using a firstvirtual furnishing unit retained by the first user in a predeterminednumber of challenges before the first virtual furnishing unit is nolonger retained by the first user.

In some embodiments the first room has an initial first value 3425 inFIG. 34A (“$5,000). The first user is enabled to submit the first roomscene with the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics when afirst room completion criterion associated with the first room scene hasbeen satisfied. The first room completion criterion specifies (i) whichcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the first room scenemust be populated and (ii) a first amount, in units of a firstapplication counter 60 (e.g., keys), required to submit the first roomscene. Responsive to submitting the first room scene with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics, the first user is provided witha second value 3432 (FIG. 34B) of the first room (“$40,000”). The secondvalue is higher than the initial first value. The second value isdetermined, in part, by a value of each virtual furnishing unit in thefirst room scene submitted by the first user.

In some embodiments, completion of the first room scene causes thelayout 53-1 to display an indication that the first room scene has beencompleted. For example, referring to FIG. 34B, the living room 3416-1 isupdated with an indication 3434 (e.g., a checkmark icon) to indicatecompletion of the challenge associated with the living room.

In some embodiments, responsive to a determination that a first roomcompletion criterion associated with the first room scene has beensatisfied, the application 44 displays again the layout 53-1 includingthe plurality of rooms.

In some embodiments, a selection of a second room of the plurality ofrooms in the layout is received. Responsive to the selection of thesecond room of the plurality of rooms in the layout, an imagecorresponding to a second room scene of the second room is displayed(not shown).

In some embodiments, the second room scene comprises a second pluralityof markers. Each marker in the second plurality of markers has adifferent designated set of coordinates within the second room andcorresponds to a type within the plurality of types. The method furthercomprises: for each sequential user selection of a respective marker inthe second plurality of markers, repeating the first procedure topopulate the second room scene with a second plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics, each respective three-dimensional graphic inthe second plurality of three-dimensional graphics at the correspondingdesignated set of coordinates within the scene specified by thedifferent designated set of coordinates within the scene of thecorresponding marker.

As indicated earlier, the layout 53 enables the user to navigate thepremises 51 and access the various rooms. For example, in someembodiments, while the image of the first room scene is displayed, auser selection of a different room of the plurality of rooms in thelayout 53 is received. In response to the user selection of thedifferent room, an image of a different room scene of the different roomis displayed.

In some embodiments, the challenge associated with the premisescomprises a plurality of room challenges. Each room challenge of theplurality of room challenges corresponds to a room of the plurality ofrooms. Each of the plurality of room challenges includes a respectiveroom completion criterion. The respective room completion criterion maybe distinct for each of the plurality of room challenges. The respectiveroom completion criterion may include a number of virtual furnishingunits and/or a type of virtual furnishing unit.

In some embodiments and as described earlier, each of the plurality ofrooms corresponds to a room type within a plurality of room types. Inthe case of a house, each of bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, dining room,living room, study, garage, and dining room etc. corresponds to a roomtype. Each room type of the plurality of room types includes one virtualfurnishing unit that is specific to the room type. For instance, thebedroom includes a bed as one of its virtual furnishing unit whereasthis unit does not show up when one is decorating a living room.

In some embodiments, the method 3500 further comprises a determinationthat a premises completion criterion associated with the premises 51 hasbeen satisfied. The premises completion criterion specifies (i) apredetermined number of rooms in the premises to be completed; (ii) Eachof the rooms of the predetermined number of rooms is considered to becompleted when its respective room completion criterion is satisfied;(iii) The respective room completion criterion includes whichcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the correspondingroom scene must be populated; (iv) Each of the rooms of thepredetermined number of rooms includes a respective room scene and ispopulated with a respective plurality of three-dimensional graphics.Each three-dimensional graphic in the respective plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics is at the corresponding designated set ofcoordinates within the corresponding room scene; and (v) a first amount,in units of the first application counter, required to submit thepremises for voting. In some embodiments, the premises completioncriterion also includes a number of room types in the premises that mustbe completed. In accordance with a determination that the premisescompletion criterion has been satisfied, the first user is enabled tosubmit the premises to a remote server (e.g., application server 106)for voting by a first community. Responsive to submitting the premisesfor voting, (i) the user selection of virtual furnishing units for eachof the rooms of the predetermined number of rooms is communicated to aremote server (e.g., application server 106). (ii) The first user isprovided a second amount in units of a second application counter. Afirst community vote on the submitted premises is received from theremote server (e.g., application server 106). The first user is notifiedof the first community vote on the submitted premises.

In some embodiments, the premises has a first premises value 3410 inFIG. 34A. Responsive to submitting the premises for voting, a secondpremises value 3430 in FIG. 34B of the premises is determined, whereinthe second premises value is larger than the first premises value. Thefirst user is notified of the second premises value. The second premisesvalue is displayed (e.g., on the display).

In some embodiments, the second premises value 3430 is determined, inpart, by a value of each virtual furnishing unit for each of the roomsof the predetermined number of rooms submitted by the first user.

Even though the example of FIGS. 34A and 34B shows that the initialpremises value 3410 has the same virtual dollar value as the first value3425 of the first room and the second premises value 3430 has the samevirtual dollar value as the second value 3432 of the first room, in someembodiments the initial premises value 3410 can be different (e.g.,higher) from the first value 3425 of the first room, and second premisesvalue 3430 can be different (e.g., higher) from the second value 3432 ofthe first room.

In accordance with some implementations, the application 44 furtherprovides the user with options to expand the premises. In someembodiments, in accordance to a determination that the (second) premisesvalue of the premises exceeds a predetermined value, the application 44displays one or more premises expansion options. The one or morepremises expansion options include adding a level (story) to thepremises, adding a room to the plurality of rooms in the premises,adding a backyard (or front porch, or a garage) to the premises, andexpanding an area of the premises. Referring to FIG. 34A, the layout53-1 includes an unassigned (or unidentified) area 3418. In someinstances, when the user has collected (e.g., purchased) enoughfurnishing units or when their premises is at a high enough value, theuser has the option to designate a room type to the unidentified area3418, and complete one or more challenges associated with the area 3418after designation. In other embodiments, the user is offered anotheroption to purchase a second premises.

In some embodiments, a selection of a first premises expansion option ofthe one or more premises expansion options is received by theapplication 44. In response to the selected first premises expansionoption, an updated layout of the premises is displayed. In someembodiments, the display of the updated layout comprises: (i) replacingthe layout of the premises with the updated layout; and (ii) displayingthe updated layout. The updated layout includes the plurality of roomsand the selected first premises expansion option.

In some embodiments, after the user has decorated the premises or asubset of rooms in the plurality of rooms in the premises, the user caninvite other users to visit their premises. For example, responsive tosubmitting the premises for voting, the first user is provided with an“Open House” affordance 3412 to invite friends to view the premises.Responsive to selection of the affordance 3412, the user is providedwith an affordance to select one or more friends. Responsive toselection of one or more friends, the application generates and sends aninvitation to each of the one or more friends to view the premises.

In some embodiments, responsive to the sent invitations, the first userreceives one or more gifts (e.g., housewarming gifts) from the one ofthe one or more friends. Each of the one or more gifts comprises one ormore of: a first predetermined amount of the first application counter,a second predetermined amount of the second application counter, a thirdpredetermined amount of a third application counter, and a virtualfurnishing unit.

In accordance with some implementations, besides decorating the rooms inthe premises with virtual furnishing units, a user can also add details(e.g., micro-decorate) to furnished rooms by adding items (e.g., smalleritem) in the rooms and/or on virtual furnishing units that havepopulated the rooms. These smaller items are also known as virtualaccessory units 75, and are included in the virtual furnishing unitdatabase 328 (FIG. 3). For example, a user can select and place diningware on the dining table, identify and place kitchen appliances on thekitchen countertop, hang picture frames in the hallways and kitchen, andadd décor items in the bathroom etc., just like one would whendecorating a premises in real life. In some embodiments, the virtualaccessory units 75 are included as part of the virtual furnishing units74 in the virtual furnishing unit database 328, and are distinguishedfrom virtual furnishing units 74 based on type 352. For instance,virtual accessory units 75 are associated with one type 352 (e.g., smallfurniture) whereas virtual furnishing units 74 are associated with adifferent type 352 (e.g., large furniture).

FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 37 are examples of rooms that have been populatedwith three-dimensional graphics 354 of virtual furnishing units 74 andwith three-dimensional graphics 372 of virtual accessory units.

To this end, in some embodiments, the method of adding a virtualaccessory unit 75 is as follows. After populating the first room scenewith the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics 354 correspondingto virtual furnishing units 74 for the first room scene, a selection ofa first one of the virtual furnishing units (e.g., a selection of thethree-dimensional graphic 354 corresponding to the first one of thevirtual furnishing units in the first room scene) is received.Responsive to the selection of (the three-dimensional graphiccorresponding to) the first one of the virtual furnishing units, a firstplurality of virtual accessory units 75 is displayed.

In some embodiments, a selection of a first virtual accessory unit 75 ofthe plurality of accessory units is received. Responsive to theselection of the first virtual accessory unit 75, a three-dimensionalgraphic of the first virtual accessory unit 75 is overlaid on(superimposed on) the first one of the furnishing units 74 (e.g., on asurface of the first one of the furnishing units).

In some embodiments, the first virtual accessory unit 75 is: atablecloth, a photo frame, silverware, dining ware, a glass, a placemat,a plant, a painting, a vase, a book, a sculpture, a paper weight, apicture frame, or a lamp. For example, referring to FIG. 36A, overlaid(displayed) on the top of the dining table 354-28 are accessory units372-1, 372-2, 372-3, and 372-4 corresponding to respectively, a bowl,plates, a vase, and a glass. Referring to FIG. 37, plants and a smalllamp stand (372-7, 372-8, and 372-9) are displayed on the sideboard354-31.

In some embodiments, the application 44 provides affordances that allowa user to specify a location (or portion) of the virtual furnishing uniton or at which the virtual accessory unit 75 is to be placed. Forexample, after receiving selection of the first one of the virtualfurnishing units 74 (on the touch-sensitive display), the application 44detects a second predefined action on a first portion (e.g., a surface)of the first one of the furnishing units with respect to the display.For instance, the second predefined action is a zoom action comprising atouch action on the first furnishing unit with two fingers of the userand a dragging action of the two fingers away from each other. Inanother embodiment, the application 44 also includes one or more iconsand navigational panel to zoom in (magnify) a selected portion of thefirst one of the furnishing units. Responsive to the second predefinedaction, a close-up (e.g., magnified) view of the first one of thefurnishing units with respect to the first portion is displayed.Overlaying the three-dimensional graphic of the first virtual accessoryunit 75 the first one of the furnishing units 74 comprises overlayingthe three-dimensional graphic 372 of the first virtual accessory unit 75on the first portion of the three-dimensional graphic 354 of the firstone of the virtual furnishing units 74.

In some embodiments, after overlaying the three-dimensional graphic 372of the first virtual accessory unit 75 on the first portion of the firstone of the virtual furnishing units 74, a position and/or an orientationof the first virtual accessory is changed with respect to the firstportion. For example, the application 44 detects a change in a positionof the first virtual accessory unit with respect to the first portion bydetecting a touch action on the first selected furnishing unit (e.g.,using one finger) by the user and a drag action on the first virtualaccessory unit. Additionally, or alternatively, the application 44 achange in orientation of the first accessory unit with respect to thefirst portion by detecting a touch action on the first selectedfurnishing unit with two fingers of the user and a twist action of thetwo fingers. Accordingly, the application 44 overlays an image of thefirst virtual accessory unit 75 with the changed position and/ororientation on the first portion of the first one of the furnishingunits 74.

In some embodiments, responsive to overlaying the three-dimensionalgraphic of the first virtual accessory unit 75 on the first one of thefurnishing units 74, the first user is awarded (e.g., rewardedwith/provided) a prize.

In some embodiments, the premises has a first premises value. Responsiveto overlaying the three-dimensional graphic of the first virtualaccessory unit on the first one of the furnishing units, a thirdpremises value of the premises is determined. The third premises valueis larger than the first premises value. The first user is notified ofthe third premises value. In some embodiments, the application 44further updates the value of the premises to the third premises value,and displays the third premises value.

Referring back to FIG. 34, in some embodiments, the one or more giftsreceived by the first user from the one or more friends is a virtualaccessory unit 75. In some embodiments, responsive to the receipt of thevirtual accessory unit 75 as a gift, the first user further invites theone or more users to decorate the premises of the first user (e.g., byplacing the virtual accessory unit gift on one or more designated areasin the premises).

Community of Houses

In accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure,responsive to the acquisition of one or more premises 51 by the user,the application 44 also presents affordances that enable the user toinvite other users to form a neighborhood community (e.g., a communityof houses) and to participate in community-related challenges.

To this end, FIG. 38 a flow chart illustrating a method 3800 forcreating a first community, in accordance with some implementations ofthe present disclosure. As noted in block 3802 of FIG. 38, the method3800 is performed at a client device 102 comprising a display 408, oneor more processors 402 and memory 407, in an application 44 running onthe client device associated with a first user.

Referring to block 3804 of FIG. 38, a selection of a plurality of otherusers associated with the first user is received. Each of the pluralityof other users is associated with a respective other client device, withthe application 44 running on the respective client device (e.g., eachof the plurality of other users is a respective user of theapplication).

Referring to block 3808 of FIG. 38, an invitation to (e.g., participatein a challenge to) form a first community is sent to (the applicationon) each other client device.

Referring to block 3808 of FIG. 38, affirmative responses are receivedfrom at least a subset of the plurality of other users. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 39, the affirmative responses 3904 are displayed inan inbox 3902 of the application 44, which is accessible through theuser affordance 2502 (via mailbox tab 2724).

Referring to block 3810 of FIG. 38, responsive to the receivedresponses, (i) a first community is created and (ii) the first user andthe other users that each provided an affirmative response areassociated with the first community.

In some embodiments and referring to FIGS. 34A and 34B, the first useris associated with a first house (or a first premises 51), and the otherusers in the first community are individually associated with adifferent house in a plurality of other houses (or premises 51). Forexample, each of the subset of the plurality of other users isassociated with a respective other house. The first user is referred toas the owner of the first house, and each of the subset of the pluralityof other users is an owner of the respective other house.

In some embodiments, the first community includes the first house(associated with the first user) and the plurality of other houses(associated with the subset of the plurality of other users).

In some embodiments, after the first community is created, a first valueof the first community is determined. For example, the value of thefirst community is the total value of the houses that make up the firstcommunity.

In some embodiments, the first community includes a first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units, and the first value of the first community isdetermined, in part, by a value of each virtual furnishing unit of thefirst plurality of furnishing units.

In some embodiments, after the first community is formed, the first useris provided with a first affordance corresponding to a first challengeassociated with the first community. For example, the first challenge isassociated with a property area of the first community, such as awalkway, a swimming pool, or a garden of the first community. In someimplementations, responsive to selection of the first affordance (by thefirst user), an image of a scene of the first community is displayed inthe application 44. The image includes (i) the first house (associatedwith the first user), (ii) the plurality of other houses, and (iii) anarea of the first community distinct from the first house and distinctfrom the plurality of other houses. A first plurality of markers for thearea is also displayed, each marker in the first plurality of markershaving a different designated set of coordinates within the area andcorresponding to a type within a plurality of types. For each sequentialuser selection of a respective marker in the first plurality of markers,a first procedure is performed. The first procedure comprises: (i)displaying a second plurality of virtual furnishing units correspondingto the respective marker, wherein the displaying further comprisesremoving from display any virtual furnishing units that do not qualifyfor populating the respective marker; (ii) receiving a user selection ofa selected virtual furnishing unit in the second plurality of virtualfurnishing units, and (iii) displaying a three-dimensional graphic ofthe selected virtual furnishing unit at the different designated set ofcoordinates within the area, thereby populating the area with a firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics, each respectivethree-dimensional graphic in the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics at the corresponding designated set of coordinates within thearea specified by the different designated set of coordinates within thearea of the corresponding marker.

In some embodiments, after the area is populated with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics, the first user is enabled tosubmit the area with the first plurality of three-dimensional graphicsto the other users of the first community when a first completioncriterion associated with the first challenge has been satisfied. Thefirst completion criterion specifies which corresponding designated setsof coordinates within the respective scene must be populated. Responsiveto submitting the area with the first plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics, the user selection of virtual furnishing units for the firstchallenge is communicated to the other users of the first community. Arespective prize is received by (e.g., awarded to) the first user fromone or more users of the other users of the first community.

In some embodiments, the respective prize is an amount in units of thefirst application counter, second application counter, third applicationcounter, or fourth application counter. In other implementations, therespective prize is in the form of a vote from the other users of thefirst community. In some implementations, the first user and the otherusers in the first community are each provided (on their respectiveclient devices) with the first affordance corresponding to the samefirst challenge associated with the first community. Each of the otherusers who completes the first challenge is enabled to submit the areawith their respective plurality of three dimensional graphics to theother users of the first community for voting. In some implementations,the user of the first community with the winning design (e.g., the userwho gathered the most number of votes) is awarded a prize. In someinstances, the application 44 includes affordances that allow the firstcommunity to compete with other communities in inter-communitychallenges, and the winning design of the first community is the designthat is used to represent the first community in the inter-communitychallenge.

In some embodiments, after the area is populated with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics, the first user is enabled tosubmit, for voting by a remote server (e.g., application server 106),the scene including the first house, the plurality of other houses, andthe area with the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics when asecond completion criterion associated with the first challenge has beensatisfied. The second completion criterion specifies (i) whichcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the area must bepopulated and (ii) a first amount, in units of a first applicationcounter, required to submit the scene. Responsive to submitting thescene including the first house, the plurality of other houses, and thearea with the first plurality of three-dimensional graphics, the userselection of virtual furnishing units for the first challenge iscommunicated to the remote server (e.g., application server 106). Afirst vote on the submitted scene with the first plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics is received from the remote server (e.g.,application server 106). The first community is notified (e.g., throughthe inbox 3902) of the first vote on the submitted scene including thefirst house, the plurality of other houses, and the area with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics.

In some embodiments, responsive to submitting the scene including thefirst house, the plurality of other houses, and the area with the firstplurality of three-dimensional graphics, a second value of the firstcommunity is determined. The second value is determined in part by avalue of each virtual furnishing unit of the second plurality offurnishing units.

In some embodiments, the second plurality of virtual furnishing unitsincludes (i) one or more first virtual furnishing units retained by thefirst user that match the type of the respective marker and (ii) one ormore second virtual furnishing units not retained by the first user thatmatch the type of the respective marker.

In some embodiments, the application 44 further displays a layout of thecommunity that includes relationships between the first house and theplurality of other houses.

It will be appreciated that the method 3800 and its various embodimentsare also applicable to the respective client devices associated witheach of the subset of the plurality of other users on which theapplication 44 is run.

In accordance with some implementations, a computing system (e.g., theclient device 102) comprises a display 408, one or more processors 402,and memory 407 coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storingone or more programs configured to be executed by the one or moreprocessors, singularly or collectively comprising instructions forrunning an application on the computing device that performs/executesany of the above methods and/or operations.

In accordance with some implementations, a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs in acomputing device (e.g., the client device 102), the computing devicecomprising a display 408, one or more processors 402, and memory 407,the memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or moreprocessors, the one or more programs singularly or collectivelycomprising instructions for running an application on the computingdevice that executes any of the above methods and/or operations.

Throughout this disclosure the terms profile 48 and profile 338 havebeen used interchangeably. While a profile 48 is found on a computingdevice 102 associated with a particular user and a profile 338 is foundin a user profile database 336 on an application server 106, the presentdisclosure encompasses all possible variants of such a schema, includingembodiments in which profile 48 does not exist or profile 338 does notexist and including embodiments in which some user information is foundin profile 48 and some user information is found in profile 338. It isfor this reason that the terms profile 48 and profile 338 have been usedinterchangeably in the present disclosure. Likewise, the terms “player”and “user” have been used interchangeably throughout the presentdisclosure. Likewise, the terms “image,” “scene image,” and “scene” areinterchangeable in the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that there is a correspondence between types 352 (forvirtual furnishing units 74) and types 70 (for markers 50). Forinstance, if a marker 50 specifies a type 70 that is for chairs, therevirtual furnishing units 74 of type 352 that specifies chairs are usedto populate the marker 50.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundariesbetween various components, operations, and data stores are somewhatarbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context ofspecific illustrative configurations. Other forms of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of the implementation(s). Ingeneral, structures and functionality presented as separate componentsin the example configurations may be implemented as a combined structureor component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as asingle component may be implemented as separate components. These andother variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall withinthe scope of the implementation(s).

It will also be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elementsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element from another. For example, a first mark could betermed a second mark, and, similarly, a second mark could be termed afirst mark, without changing the meaning of the description, so long asall occurrences of the “first mark” are renamed consistently and alloccurrences of the “second mark” are renamed consistently. The firstmark, and the second mark are both marks, but they are not the samemark.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularimplementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims.As used in the description of the implementations and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as usedherein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination”or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it isdetermined (that a stated condition precedent is true)” or “if (a statedcondition precedent is true)” or “when (a stated condition precedent istrue)” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response todetermining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting”or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent istrue, depending on the context.

The foregoing description included example systems, methods, techniques,instruction sequences, and computing machine program products thatembody illustrative implementations. For purposes of explanation,numerous specific details were set forth in order to provide anunderstanding of various implementations of the inventive subjectmatter. It will be evident, however, to those skilled in the art thatimplementations of the inventive subject matter may be practiced withoutthese specific details. In general, well-known instruction instances,protocols, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific implementations. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings. The implementations were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles and their practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the implementations andvarious implementations with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: at a client devicecomprising a display, one or more processors and memory: in anapplication running on the client device associated with a first user:responsive to selection of a first scene completion challenge,displaying an initial scene of the first scene completion challenge anddisplaying within the initial scene a first plurality of markers,wherein each respective marker in the first plurality of markers hascorresponding predefined designated coordinates that are not modifiableby the first user, wherein each respective marker corresponds to afurnishing unit type within a plurality of furnishing unit types, andwherein each respective marker is not modifiable by the user; inresponse to each sequential user selection of a corresponding marker inthe first plurality of markers within the initial scene of the firstscene completion challenge, performing a procedure that comprises:displaying a first plurality of virtual furnishing units that match thefurnishing unit type of the corresponding marker, wherein eachfurnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishing units isdisplayed as a corresponding three-dimensional graphic outside theinitial scene, wherein the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitscomprises renditions of furnishing units and includes (i) one or morefirst virtual furnishing units purchased by the first user and (ii) oneor more second virtual furnishing units not purchased by the first user,and wherein each marker in the plurality of markers does not display avirtual furnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishingunits; receiving a user selection, outside the initial scene, of thecorresponding three-dimensional graphic of a selected virtual furnishingunit in the first plurality of virtual furnishing units; and responsiveto the user selection, replacing the corresponding marker within theinitial scene with the three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtualfurnishing unit at the corresponding predefined designated coordinates;wherein the performing the first procedure results in a first augmentedscene that comprises the initial scene with a plurality ofthree-dimensional graphics of selected virtual furnishing units,including displaying each respective three-dimensional graphic at thecorresponding predefined designated set of coordinates belonging to acorresponding marker in the first plurality of markers within theinitial scene, and wherein the first augmented scene contains no markerin the first plurality of markers; storing a user profile for the firstuser, wherein the user profile comprises indications of: the first scenecompletion challenge, the first plurality of markers, and a plurality ofselected virtual furnishing units based on the performing the firstprocedure, each of the selected virtual furnishing units correspondingto a respective marker in the first plurality of markers; in response toand based on a determination that a predefined completion criterion issatisfied, the predefined completion criterion comprising populating theinitial scene with a predetermined number of virtual furnishing unitsspecified by the first scene completion challenge, enabling the firstuser to submit the first augmented scene or the indications of theplurality of selected furnishing units to a remote server; andresponsive to submitting the first augmented scene or the indications ofthe plurality of selected furnishing units to the remote server,providing the first user a first reward.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the displaying further comprises removing from display anyvirtual furnishing units that do not match the furnishing unit type ofthe respective marker.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving from the remote server a first community vote on the submittedfirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units; and notifying the first user of the first communityvote.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first community vote on thesubmitted first augmented scene or the indications of the plurality ofselected furnishing units is from a plurality of users that each make a1:1 comparison of (i) the submitted first augmented scene or theindications of the plurality of selected furnishing units as submittedby the first user and (ii) a second augmented scene or a secondplurality of user selections of virtual furnishing units for the firstscene completion challenge from a user other than the first user.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising: awarding the first user a prizewhen the first community vote on the submitted first augmented scene orthe first plurality of user selections exceeds a threshold value.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the first community vote on the submittedfirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units exceeds the threshold value when the first communityvote for the submitted first augmented scene or the indications of theplurality of selected furnishing units by the first user is larger thana vote received by any other user that participated in the first scenecompletion challenge.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the prize is avirtual furnishing unit.
 8. The method of claim 3, further comprising:associating with the first user a unique star score, wherein the starscore is determined in part by the first community vote on the submittedfirst augmented scene or the first plurality of user selections; anddisplaying the star score within the application on the display.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: associating with the first user aunique design value, wherein the design value is determined in part by avalue of each virtual furnishing unit in the first augmented scene orthe first plurality of user selections submitted by the first user; anddisplaying the design value within the application on the display. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein: the first user has a current balance inthe application; each virtual furnishing unit in the one or more secondvirtual furnishing units not purchased by the first user is associatedwith a cost; receiving the user selection of the selected virtualfurnishing unit in the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitscomprises debiting the cost from the current balance; and responsive toa determination that the cost exceeds the current balance, notifying thefirst user that the application is unable to display thethree-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit withinthe initial scene.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first userhas a current balance in the application; and each virtual furnishingunit in the one or more second virtual furnishing units not retained bythe first user is associated with a cost; the method further comprising:receiving a first user selection of a selected virtual furnishing unitin the one or more second virtual furnishing units not purchased by thefirst user that match the furnishing unit type of the respective marker;responsive to the first user selection: displaying a price tag on thethree-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit in theone or more second virtual furnishing units; and when the selectedvirtual furnishing unit is purchased by the first user, (i) debiting thecost from the current balance and (ii) removing the price tag, whereinthe first user is barred from purchasing the selected virtual furnishingunit in the one or more second virtual furnishing units when the costexceeds the balance.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing within the application a first user-selectable icon, whereinupon successive user selection of the user-selectable icon the firstplurality of markers of the first scene completion challenge is toggledbetween (i) a first state in which the first plurality of markers of thefirst scene completion challenge is displayed in the initial scene and(ii) a second state in which the first plurality of markers of the firstchallenge is not displayed in the initial scene.
 13. The method of claim1, further comprising: providing the first user with a seconduser-selectable icon that allows the first user to invite one or morefriends.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units further comprises one or more third virtualfurnishing units that are not purchased by the first user but arepurchased by a friend in the one or more friends, wherein the one ormore third virtual furnishing units match the furnishing unit type ofthe respective marker, and wherein the receiving the user selection of aselected virtual furnishing unit includes one or more of the thirdfurnishing units from the marker.
 15. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a filter against the first plurality of virtualfurnishing units corresponding to the respective marker within the firstprocedure, thereby limiting a number of virtual furnishing units in thefirst plurality of virtual furnishing units that are displayed upon userselection of the filter.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the filtercomprises any combination of a limitation on brand of the virtualfurnishing unit, a limitation on color of the virtual furnishing unit, alimitation on material represented by the virtual furnishing unit, alimitation on pattern used by the virtual furnishing unit, or alimitation on the style of the virtual unit.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein the first scene completion challenge has one or more constraintson the virtual furnishing units that can be used.
 18. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first plurality of virtual furnishing unitsincludes renditions of actual furnishing units provided by one or morevendors.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein each marker in the firstplurality of markers is in the form of a single closed form shape thatis overlaid on the initial scene at the respective designated set ofcoordinates.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a generalized depictionof the furnishing unit type of a respective marker in the firstplurality of markers is depicted on the respective marker.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the single closed form shape is a coloredcircle.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the first plurality ofmarkers includes a first subset of markers that are mandatory for thefirst scene completion challenge.
 23. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a voting request from the first user; concurrentlydisplaying on the display (i) a first image comprising a candidate scenepopulated with a first set of three-dimensional graphics atcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the candidate scenethat has been submitted by a second user in a plurality of users otherthan the first user, and (ii) a second image comprising the candidatescene populated with a second set of three-dimensional graphics atcorresponding designated sets of coordinates within the candidate scenethat has been submitted by a third user in the plurality of users otherthan the first user and the second user; receiving a selection by thefirst user of the first image or the second image thereby receiving fromthe first user a vote for the second user or the third user; andresponsive to the vote for the second user or the third user by thefirst user, providing the first user a second reward.
 24. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first scene completion challenge is a first serieschallenge within a set of series challenges, the set of serieschallenges is associated with a theme and includes a series completioncriterion, and wherein each of the series challenges within the set hasa respective image of an initial scene and a respective completioncriterion, the method further comprising: repeating the steps of thefirst scene completion challenge for other series challenges within theset; and in accordance with a determination that the series completioncriterion has been satisfied, providing the first user with a seriesprize.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein a virtual furnishing unit inthe first plurality of virtual furnishing units is a décor item.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the décor item has a predetermined color ora predetermined style.
 27. A computing system associated with a firstuser, comprising: a display; one or more processors; and memory coupledto the one or more processors, the memory storing one or more programsconfigured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or moreprograms comprising instructions for running an application on thecomputing system, the one or more programs including instructions for:responsive to selection of a first scene completion challenge,displaying an initial scene of the first scene completion challenge anddisplaying within the initial scene a first plurality of markers,wherein each respective marker in the first plurality of markers hascorresponding predefined designated coordinates that are not modifiableby the first user, wherein each respective marker corresponds to afurnishing unit type within a plurality of furnishing unit types, andwherein each respective marker is not modifiable by the user; inresponse to each sequential user selection of a corresponding marker inthe first plurality of markers within the initial scene of the firstscene completion challenge, performing a procedure that comprises:displaying a first plurality of virtual furnishing units that match thefurnishing unit type of the corresponding marker, wherein eachfurnishing unit in the first plurality of furnishing units is displayedas a corresponding three-dimensional graphic outside the initial scene,wherein the first plurality of furnishing units comprises renditions offurnishing units and includes (i) one or more first virtual furnishingunits purchased by the first user and (ii) one or more second virtualfurnishing units not purchased by the first user, and wherein eachmarker in the plurality of markers does not display a virtual furnishingunit in the first plurality of virtual furnishing units; receiving auser selection, outside the initial scene, of the correspondingthree-dimensional graphic of a selected virtual furnishing unit in thefirst plurality of virtual furnishing units; and responsive to the userselection, replacing the corresponding marker within the initial scenewith the three-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishingunit at the corresponding predefined designated coordinates; wherein theperforming the first procedure results in a first augmented scene thatcomprises the initial scene with a plurality of three-dimensionalgraphics of selected virtual furnishing units, including displaying eachrespective three-dimensional graphic at the corresponding predefineddesignated set of coordinates belonging to a corresponding marker in thefirst plurality of markers within the initial scene, and wherein thefirst augmented scene contains no marker in the first plurality ofmarkers; storing a user profile for the first user, wherein the userprofile comprises indications of: the first scene completion challenge,the first plurality of markers, and a plurality of selected virtualfurnishing units based on the performing the first procedure, each ofthe selected virtual furnishing units corresponding to a respectivemarker in the first plurality of markers; in response to and based on adetermination that a predefined completion criterion is satisfied, thepredefined completion criterion comprising populating the initial scenewith a predetermined number of virtual furnishing units specified by thefirst scene completion challenge, enabling the first user to submit thefirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units to a remote server; and responsive to submitting thefirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units to the remote server, providing the first user a firstreward.
 28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingone or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions,which when executed by a computing system having a display andassociated with a first user, cause the computing system to: responsiveto selection of a first scene completion challenge, display an initialscene of the first scene completion challenge and display within theinitial scene a first plurality of markers, wherein each respectivemarker in the first plurality of markers has corresponding predefineddesignated coordinates that are not modifiable by the first user,wherein each respective marker corresponds to a furnishing unit typewithin a plurality of furnishing unit types, and wherein each respectivemarker is not modifiable by the user; in response to each sequentialuser selection of a corresponding marker in the first plurality ofmarkers within the initial scene of the first scene completionchallenge, performing a procedure that comprises: displaying a firstplurality of virtual furnishing units that match the furnishing unittype of the corresponding marker, wherein each furnishing unit in thefirst plurality of furnishing units is displayed as a correspondingthree-dimensional graphic outside the initial scene, wherein the firstplurality of furnishing units comprises renditions of furnishing unitsand includes (i) one or more first virtual furnishing units purchased bythe first user and (ii) one or more second virtual furnishing units notpurchased by the first user, and wherein each marker in the plurality ofmarkers does not display a virtual furnishing unit in the firstplurality of virtual furnishing units; receiving a user selection,outside the initial scene, of the corresponding three-dimensionalgraphic of a selected virtual furnishing unit in the first plurality ofvirtual furnishing units; and responsive to the user selection,replacing the corresponding marker within the initial scene with thethree-dimensional graphic of the selected virtual furnishing unit at thecorresponding predefined designated coordinates; wherein the performingthe first procedure results in a first augmented scene that comprisesthe initial scene with a plurality of three-dimensional graphics ofselected virtual furnishing units, including displaying each respectivethree-dimensional graphic at the corresponding predefined designated setof coordinates belonging to a corresponding marker in the firstplurality of markers within the initial scene, and wherein the firstaugmented scene contains no marker in the first plurality of markers;store a user profile for the first user, wherein the user profilecomprises indications of: the first scene completion challenge, thefirst plurality of markers, and a plurality of selected virtualfurnishing units based on the performing the first procedure, each ofthe selected virtual furnishing units corresponding to a respectivemarker in the first plurality of markers; in response to and based on adetermination that a predefined completion criterion is satisfied, thepredefined completion criterion comprising populating the initial scenewith a predetermined number of virtual furnishing units specified by thefirst scene completion challenge, enable the first user to submit thefirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units to a remote server; and responsive to submitting thefirst augmented scene or the indications of the plurality of selectedfurnishing units to the remote server, provide the first user a firstreward.